Policy and Legislation Related to Safeguarding Adults

1998

• White Paper Modernising Social Services stressed the importance of improving the protection for adults needing care and support.
• Speaking up for Justice - Report highlighted the treatment of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses in the criminal justice system and the need to obtain ‘best evidence’. This resulted in their eligibility for special support measures under Part 2 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 supported by the Home Office Action for Justice and Achieving Best Evidence guidance.
• Public Interest Disclosure Act

2000

• Human Rights Act 1998 placed a positive duty upon ‘public bodies’ to act compatibly with the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights. This includes a duty to intervene proportionately to protect the rights of citizens. Article 2: ‘The right to life’, Article 3: ‘Freedom from torture’ (including humiliating and degrading treatment), Article 8: ‘Right to family life’ (one that sustains the individual)

• No Secrets - guidance published by the Department of Health builds upon the Government’s respect for human rights and highlights the need to protect vulnerable adults through effective multi-agency teamwork.

• National Care Standards Commission, now the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)

• In Safe Hands: Implementing Adult Protection Procedures in Wales

2003

• Sexual Offences Act
• Disability Discrimination Act

2004

• Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act

2005

• Mental Capacity Act
• Safeguarding Adults -  National Framework of Standards was issued by the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS). The national framework is comprised of 11 sets of good practice standards in safeguarding adults. It makes a distinct shift in language from ‘vulnerable adult’ as used in No Secrets to ‘safeguarding adults’.