Fife Multi-Agency Adult Protection Guidance - Home Page

or mental health; and the impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, socialor behavioural development.The seriousness or extent of harm is often not clear when anxiety is firstexpressed. It is important, therefore, when considering the appropriateness ofintervention, to approach reports of incidents or allegations with an openmind.In making any assessment of seriousness the following factors need to beconsidered:• the vulnerability of the individual• the nature and extent of the alleged or suspected harm or neglect• the length of time it has been occurring• the impact on the individual, and• the risk of repeated or increasingly serious acts involving this or otheradults at risk.68