What to do if you think a vulnerable adult is being abused
If you think someone is in immediate danger and you need to do something straight away to stop them being hurt, you should ring 999 and tell the operator what is happening.
Where someone is at risk of abuse but in less immediate danger it is important to report suspicions of abuse of a person whether or not they lack capacity to the relevant agency to ensure that it is investigated properly and that where necessary steps are taken to stop it happening.
In all geographical areas the Local Authority Adult Services Department has a lead coordinating role in situations of suspected abuse of a vulnerable adult. This means that in every situation where you think that a vulnerable adult might be being abused or be at risk of abuse the Local Authority with responsibilities for the area where the vulnerable adult lives must be contacted.
They will make enquiries and where necessary coordinate an investigation into the concerns. They will as part of that process contact a range of agencies/individuals depending upon the nature of the concerns. You may wish to contact any one of those agencies in addition to the Adult Services Department as they may be able to contribute in the following circumstances if you have:
- Concerns about an Attorney or Deputy
- If someone is concerned about the actions of an attorney acting under a registered Enduring Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney, or a Deputy appointed by the court of Protection, they should contact the Compliance and Regulation Unit of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). The OPG will usually refer concerns about personal welfare LPAs or personal welfare deputies to the relevant agency. When it makes a referral, the OPG will make sure that the relevant agency keeps it informed of the action it takes. The OPG will also make sure that the court has all the information it needs to take possible action against the attorney or deputy.
- Concerns about an appointee
- When someone is concerned about the collection or use of social security benefits by an appointee on behalf a person who lacks capacity, they should visit the
DirectGov website for information and guidance.
- When someone is concerned about the collection or use of social security benefits by an appointee on behalf a person who lacks capacity, they should visit the
- Concerns about a possible criminal offence
- If there is a good reason to suspect that someone has committed a crime against a vulnerable person, such as theft or physical or sexual assault, contact the police
- In addition, social services should also be contacted, so that they can support the vulnerable person during the investigation.
- Concerns about care standards
- In cases of concern about the standard of care in a care home or an adult placement scheme, or about the care provided by a home care worker, contact social services.
- It may also be appropriate to contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection (in England) or the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales.
- Concerns about healthcare or treatment
- If someone is concerned about the care or treatment given to the person in any NHS setting (such as an NHS hospital or clinic) contact the managers of the service.
- If someone is concerned about the care or treatment given to the person in any NHS setting (such as an NHS hospital or clinic) contact the managers of the service.