Self‐determination is widely regarded as a core social work value and as central to work in adult protection. However, it is not unproblematic and raises difficult questions about how to balance empowerment and protection, or rights and risks. Inter‐agency procedures and the recent...

Using data from a survey of social services departments, this paper looks at how local authorities are addressing the needs of people with learning disabilities for protection from crime and abuse within the context of adult protection developments. Previous research indicated that victimisation...

The registration and inspection of residential care services for vulnerable adults rests with local government but in 2002 responsibility passes to the new Commission for Care Standards. This paper looks at how inspection units understand and respond to adult protection issues, considers how...

In the latest in a series of profiles of organisations that provide services within the wider adult protection setting, Helen Reeves describes how Victim Support meets and helps people who have been abused. While not specifically established to assist vulnerable adults and their carers, Victim...

The recent incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK domestic law as the Human Rights Act 1998 is predicted to have a major impact on all aspects of life. Here, Alison Brammer provides a comprehensive overview of the Act and looks specifically at how it may affect adult...

Staff must have an appreciation of legal and ethical issues associated with the people they care for, particularly when physical restraint to manage aggression or violence is being considered. This article examines legal and ethical issues related to the management of aggression and violence,...

This paper considers good practice in the use of physical interventions. It describes work undertaken to establish a consensus around policy principles in relation the use of personal restraints in response to violent behaviour by adults and children with a learning disability or autism. It...

People with learning disabilities who present challenging behaviour are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse. It is argued that training in physical intervention could well be a critical variable in determining whether this abuse takes place. Recommendations designed to minimise the risks...

This paper looks at abuse of older people in institutions in Norway, using information and insights drawn from the author's own practice, newspaper articles and investigations carried out in nursing homes in 1994, 1999 and 2000. From these sources it is apparent that the use of force is...

This paper by the deputy chief executive of Counsel and Care describes the work this important voluntary organisation has undertaken to examine physical intervention issues, particularly as they affect older people in residential care. It explores the extent to which residents of care homes may...