Adult support and protection

Overview Legislation Who is an adult at risk of harm? What is harm? Examples of harm Main principles of the Act Statutory powers and duties Offences Protection orders Further information

Who is an adult at risk of harm?

Adults at risk are adults, aged 16 years of age and over, who:

• are unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests
• are at risk of harm, and
• because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected

An adult is at risk of harm if:

• another person’s conduct is causing (or is likely to cause) the adult to be harmed, or
• the adult is engaging (or is likely to engage) in conduct which causes (or is likely to cause) self-harm