Making decisions : helping people who have difficulty deciding for themselves : a guide for social care professionals.

  • Great Britain. Lord Chancellor's Department.
Date:
2003
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Making decisions : helping people who have difficulty deciding for themselves : a guide for social care professionals. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    19/36 (page 17)
    8. Combating abuse, exploitation and neglect Social care professionals, perhaps more than any other professional group, are most acutely aware of the risks of abuse to vulnerable people and of the need to be keenly alert to any possible signs of abuse. For example, they may see unexplained bruising or other evidence of physical abuse on older clients. A person with severe learning difficulties may become distressed or start to display inappropriate sexual behaviour, which could be an indication of sexual abuse. Inappropriate gifts of money or property or unexpected changes in a person’s financial circumstances may suggest exploitation or financial mismanagement. Local authority Social Services have responsibility, jointly with other relevant agencies, to put in place effective local strategies for preventing, detecting and dealing with incidents of abuse. Social care professionals must be aware of local procedures and joint protocols, including relevant contact details, so that immediate action can be taken if abuse is suspected. As a basic guide, the following steps should be considered if abuse is Suspected: » if there is concern about the collection or use of social security benefits, contact the local Job Centre Plus. (For those over the age of 60, Pension Services) » if there are suspicions about the actions of an attorney or receiver, discuss your concerns with the Public Guardianship Office