Fife Multi-Agency Adult Protection Guidance - Home Page

It is important to record whether the adult is in attendance or the reasons whythis has not been possible. The adult’s wishes and feelings should be centralto any case conference and consideration should be given to how the adultconcerned may wish to be supported during the case conference and howbest they can be included in discussions and concerns about them, forexample support from advocacy services, or communication assistance.Where the adult has not attended the case conference the minute must reflectthe reason for this non-attendance and what steps were taken to ensure theviews of the adult were represented in the meeting. It is important that theadult is informed of the outcome as soon as possible afterwards.Significant family members and/or carers will also be invited to attend thecase conference unless there are reasons to exclude them. Exclusions shouldbe considered by the chairperson of the case conference, for example wherethe presence of someone would seriously affect the ability of the adult toparticipate or where the presence of an individual would place the adult atfurther risk.5.8 Mental health officers at case conferencesThe chairperson or investigating officer should consult with a mental healthofficer (MHO) regarding the advisability of having a MHO attend the adultprotection case conference.If there is evidence that the adult is at risk of harm as a consequence of amental disorder, consideration should be given to requesting the attendanceof a MHO. As a result of their specialist training and experience MHO’s canassist in the assessment and risk management of adults at risk who are beingneglected or harmed as the result of a mental disorder. They can also provideinformation and assistance in obtaining an assessment of an adult’s capacityto make decisions regarding their own welfare.If the adult protection case conference is required to consider the need forguardianship under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, as part ofan adult protection plan, a MHO must be invited to attend. Under suchcircumstances the adult protection case conference will also perform thefunction of a guardianship case conference.Not all adult protection case conferences will also be treated as guardianshipcase conferences. It will only be appropriate to consider the use ofguardianship as part of an adult protection plan when the adult is at risk fromharm as the direct result of incapacity related to a mental disorder or inabilityto communicate.5.9 Conduct of a case conferenceThe format for a case conference involves:• Introductions by the chairperson, explaining the functions of a caseconference and the context of adult protection guidelines• The council officer undertaking the investigation will then presenthis/her report based on the gathered facts. This will include details35