Doncaster Council

About the policy

The Safeguarding Adults Policy outlines the policy and principles underpinning the protection of vulnerable adults. The South Yorkshire-wide procedures were launched in November 2007 and replaced the Doncaster-specific arrangements which had been in place since 2004.

It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of professionals, staff and volunteers when faced with suspected abuse or inadequate care of a vulnerable adult. The document establishes procedures that should be followed by all agencies when someone suspects that abuse has taken place.

The policy and procedures are based on the 'No secrets' guidance published by the Department of Health in 2000. [see link on left] 'No secrets' required the key statutory agencies to ensure that a multi-agency framework for the management of Adult Protection issues was in place by October 2001, together with agreed procedures on the investigation of allegations of abuse.

The updated policy document also includes recommendations and good practice guidance from 'Safeguarding Adults' a national framework of standards produced by the Association of Directors of Social Services in 2005. [see link on left]

The multi-agency Policy, Procedures and Practice Guidelines are concerned with vulnerable adults who are 18 and over and unable to protect themselves from abuse, in a variety of domestic and care settings. 

Vulnerable adults may include people who:
- Are elderly and frail
- Suffer from a mental illness including dementia or a personality disorder
- Have a physical or sensory disability
- Have a learning disability
- Have a debilitating physical illness
- Are substance abusers
- Are carers
- Suffer discriminatory abuse on the grounds of race, culture, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation

Vulnerable Adults who are subject to a section under the Mental Health Act 1983, in prison or in Police Custody are afforded protection by primary legislation by virtue of their circumstances e.g. Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 or the Mental Health Act 1983.  
 

• Safeguarding Adults Procedures