New highland Initiative To Protect The Vulnerable

New guidance and staff procedures have been approved by both Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee and Highland Joint Committee for Action in Community Care to protect vulnerable people from abuse in community, hospital and care home settings.

The document titled "Protecting Vulnerable Adults – Good Practice Guidance and Procedures" is viewed as one of the best examples of its kind in Scotland and focuses on the needs of adults with a physical or learning disability, mental health problems or older people. The guidelines were developed by a small multi-agency working group represented by staff from Social Work Services, the Community Safety Unit, the Northern Constabulary, NHS Highland and Age Concern.

Sandy Riddell, Chair of the Protecting Vulnerable Adults multi-agency working group said: "The guidance and procedures will promote effective joint working and good practice ensuring that appropriate services are delivered to people and their carers."

He added: "The document not only covers recent changes in law to protect vulnerable adults but includes recent key recommendations of the reports by the Social Work Services Inspectorate and the Mental Welfare Commission on the handling of cases in the Scottish Borders. The procedures therefore reflect a collective will and a desire to work closer together in a community care context."

The guidance outlines the types of abuse vulnerable people can be at risk of including physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse, neglect, misuse of medication and sexual abuse. The purpose of the guidance and procedures is to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the staff involved, build upon existing good practice in the Highlands, and provide a clear framework for the challenging task of responding to potential or actual allegations of abuse.

Inspector Bob Pollock, Northern Constabulary, said: "The abuse of vulnerable adults is a complex and disturbing area of work where there are no clear cut answers and when all those involved have to work as sensitively as possible. This document reflects the desire of those agencies involved to continue to strive to provide the very best services we can to the vulnerable in our communities, through effective partnership working at all levels"

Jan Baird, Director of Community Care with NHS Highland said: "NHS Highland is committed to working with partners in the protection of vulnerable adults and ensuring that all staff are aware of risks and how to respond appropriately. It is important that we continue to treat this as a high priority and remain vigilant, working together to ensure the safety of this group of people. A joint agency working group will continue to monitor implementation and review these guidelines in a timely fashion."

Local training workshops are being organised for all staff groups in a wide range of agencies across the Highlands.