Could planning for safety be a realistic alternative to risk management for those deemed vulnerable?

Protection of those deemed vulnerable has received increasing attention since 2000. This article reports this aspect of a research study in which care staff views relating to vulnerability and abuse of adults with learning disabilities were explored. In this study, informants' perspectives were explored using semi‐structured interviews. The aim of the study was to conduct a detailed analysis of interpretations of the terms vulnerability and abuse within learning disability services. The results revealed that most informants felt that all people with learning disabilities are vulnerable and that this definition allows staff the authority to take protective measures in order to ensure their safety, based on risk management approaches. An alternative person‐centred approach to safety planning is proposed.