Safeguarding is about making sure adults who are at risk are protected from harm and exploitation.
The Care Act statutory guidance defines adult safeguarding as:
Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.
Who do adult safeguarding duties apply to?
In the context of the legislation, specific adult safeguarding duties apply to any adult who:
- Has care and support needs
- Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- Is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect, because of those needs.