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

Legislation

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007:

• provides greater protection to adults at risk of harm through powers to investigate and act to support and protect an adult in situations where concern exists
• places a duty on specified organisations to co-operate in investigating suspected or actual harm – these agencies must report a concern where they know or believe an adult is at risk of harm
• places a duty on councils and social care partnerships to make inquiries and investigations to find out whether or not further action is required to stop or prevent harm occurring
• introduces a range of protection orders including assessment orders, removal orders and banning orders
• provides for the establishment of local multi-agency Adult Protection Committees across Scotland