In Safe Hands - Action on Elder Abuse

.IN SAFE HANDSIMPLEMENTING ADULT PROTECTION PROCEDURESIN WALESINTRODUCTIONThe National Assembly for Wales is committed to maintaining a balance between thepromotion of independence and the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, and the public as awhole. The Social Services White Paper ‘Building for the Future’ identifies the protectionand promotion of the welfare of vulnerable adults as a priority and this guidance reinforcesthe Assembly’s respect for human rights and the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998.This Framework for Wales has been developed following advice from a multi-agencyadvisory group 1 and wide consultation throughout Wales. There has also been close liaisonwith the Department of Health, who have developed similar guidance in England and withthe Home Office. This guidance sets out how adult protection arrangements are proposed tobe implemented in Wales, balancing the need to ensure coherent practice acrossgeographical and agency boundaries whilst maintaining room for local arrangements andstructures.The aim is to ensure that these policies and procedures are in place right across Wales inorder to strengthen local arrangements, clarify the principles of good practice and facilitateservice development which is designed to prevent, identify and respond to abuse ofvulnerable adults. Considerable progress has already been made by a number of Welshauthorities since local government reorganisation in establishing policies and procedures tosafeguard vulnerable adults. It is not the intention of this document to undermine theseinitiatives but it is the intention to provide a consistent framework and to spread the goodpractice that already exists. It is anticipated that this can be achieved within the existinglevel of resources available to authorities.1 Membership, appendix 111