South Lanarkshire Council is spreading awareness of adult protection and offering guidance.
The local authority took to social media to highlight adult protection and offered guidance which is available via South Lanarkshire Adult Protection Committee.
The council tweeted: ‘Everyone should be able to live a life free from harm and abuse. If you’re worried about an adult at risk of harm, pass it on.’
Adult protection is the responsibility of the council. When the local authority receives information suggesting an adult is not safe and potentially at risk it must make enquiries into the adult’s wellbeing, property or financial affairs.
The council will gather information to check out the situation, and information on adults in potential harm can come from different people.
When harm is reported and a referral is received, a social worker will visit the person and talk about their situation, the risks they are facing and what they would like to happen.
The social worker may suggest that the vulnerable adult speaks to an advocate who is an independent person who can offer support to think about options for an independent decision.
A conference may also be suggested by the social worker for the vulnerable adult to receive support and protection.
A case conference is a meeting which involves the vulnerable adult and everyone who is concerned about them – at the meeting the discussion will revolve around the harm the individual is experiencing, the cause of the harm, what can be done to stop it and how to stay safe in the future.
Before the conference, the social worker will explain who will be invited and what will be discussed, the individual has the right to attend, agree to what is being suggested and whether or not they wish to have views recorded.
A protection plan will be put in place, this is an agreed plan of what help and support is needed to keep safe from harm, the individual will be involved in the plan.
If needed, the council is able to use legal powers to apply for a protection order to either stop someone having contact with you, move you to a safer place and to ensure you are getting the support you need.
Information and help is available through South Lanarkshire Adult Protection Committee’s website.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
