Purpose – This paper aims to explore the possible connections between self‐directed support and adult support and protection, both of which are important policy developments in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw on findings from the national evaluation of the test...

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the potential impact on families of a greater emphasis on safeguarding for vulnerable adults, from both a legal and a lay perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Case examples are used to illustrate some of the issues and problems that can arise in...

Purpose – This paper aims to develop understanding of the context in which the abuse and maltreatment of older people might proliferate within the health and social care system in the United Kingdom. Drawing on the notion of “social defences” this paper seeks to explore the dual role of...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set out the Law Commission's proposals for the reform of the law relating to UK health professional regulation and, in England only, social workers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarises the main provisional proposals from the...

Purpose – The Report on the Consultation on the Review of No Secrets , published by the Department of Health in 2009 highlighted the need for commissioners to take more responsibility, in partnership with regulators, for safeguarding people who use services. This article aims to focus on...

Purpose – This paper seeks to present findings from a review of hospital policies and practices in one NHS Trust in England. Design/methodology/approach – The focus of the review was hospital staff policy and practice in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable patients. A sample of staff was...

Purpose – The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) was implemented in 2007 as a piece of legislation to empower and protect adults who require support making decisions. Many older adults in residential care homes will be in this position due to developmental disabilities associated with functional...

Purpose – This paper's aim is to consider three ways in which, recently, the English courts have sought to define deprivation of liberty (and, maybe, limit the effect of safeguards against it). Design/methodology/approach – Two significant decisions of the Court of Appeal were considered,...

Purpose – Commissioned as part of a Joseph Rowntree Foundation scoping programme, this consultation aims to explore the views of disabled people and service users about risk. Design/methodology/approach – The consultation reached nine individuals and one focus group, reaching a total of 17...

Purpose – This paper aims to summarize the work of the Court of Protection. Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines the history and range of applications within the jurisdiction of the Court, drawing from the Mental Capacity Act and the Code of Practice. Reference is made to annual...