Aims
2.1 This document aims to assist in the prevention of harm occurring to adults who may be at risk of harm in Dumfries and Galloway, building on good practice and a common understanding of the issue.
2.2 To support adults who may be at risk of harm through having a joint understanding across each agency of:
- their roles and responsibilities in responding to reports of criminality or identified concerns involving adults at risk
- the duty of Public Bodies to cooperate
- the links between Child, Adult and Public Protection guidance
- the lead role of Social Work in Adult Protection
- the roles and responsibilities of all agencies in protecting adults that may be at risk of harm
- the role of each council where cross-boundary issues arise
2.3 In addition, this guidance:
- supports existing local operating procedures by providing a framework for the overall interagency response in terms of referrals, Inquiries, Investigations, actions and Case Conferences
- explains the role of Chief Officers’ Group (COG) and Public Protection Committee (PPC)
- provides an understanding of the legal basis for intervention
- provides an understanding of the terminology used in Adult Protection
- shares the principles of good practice in Adult Protection
Scope
2.4 This guidance is for all practitioners working in health, Police, third sector, local authority or education settings who work with those adults who may be at risk of harm. The approaches set out depend on a culture and ethos which recognises that whilst there are specific responsibilities associated with certain professional roles, it is everyone’s job to make sure that adults at risk of harm are supported and protected.
Multi-Agency Working
2.5 Partnership working is about mutual trust, sharing, communication and collaboration. It is marked by respect for one another, role divisions, right to information, accountability, competence, and value according to individual input. Research tells us that when there is positive and collegiate multiagency working within public protection partnerships, collectively, services can significantly improve outcomes for our most vulnerable people in our communities.
2.6 All partner agencies must ensure that the staff group has an awareness of Adult Protection issues and a working knowledge of the system of reporting requirements. Social Work Services, as the lead agency on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Council, will have overall responsibility for the coordination of Adult Protection Procedures and will be the central point for the receiving and logging of referrals.
2.7 All agencies working with adults must be mindful of the principles of benefit and the least restrictive option, seek to involve the adult in matters affecting him or her, including Adult Protection Inquiries, taking into account any communication issues, of the need to have support from relevant others and/ or independent advocacy. The adult’s views and wishes, both past and present and future must be acknowledged with due regard at all times.