This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Protection for vulnerable adults
06/12/2001
Better protection for vulnerable adults is the aim of
proposals in a consultation paper issued today.
The consultation paper suggests extending new
protections for vulnerable adults with a mental disorder,
to other groups of vulnerable adults. The protections were
announced by the Scottish Executive in October as part of
the planned Mental Health Act.
Other groups who would be covered by the provisions are
those vulnerable because of age, infirmity, illness or
physical disability.
The consultation paper seeks views on:
- the extension of the vulnerable adults provisions
to groups other than persons with mental disorder.
These include new duties on local authorities to check
on the welfare of a vulnerable adult who may be at risk
of neglect or abuse. Councils would also have new
powers to enter the home of vulnerable adults,
medically examine and remove those likely to suffer
significant harm.
- the possible introduction of provisions to exclude
persons living with a vulnerable adult, where the
adult's health is at risk, similar to existing powers
to exclude child abusers and violent partners.
Mr Wallace said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to making Scotland
a safer and fairer place for everyone, and especially for
those who are most vulnerable in our society.
"We have already changed the law to safeguard the
welfare, finances and property of those who cannot make
their own decisions about these matters. We have also
announced new protections for vulnerable adults with a
mental disorder in the planned Mental Health Act.
"We recognise that the current laws are inadequate to
protect vulnerable adults without a mental disorder who are
at risk of neglect or abuse. While not all of these people
are elderly, many are and the Executive is committed both
to reducing the incidence of elder abuse and to supporting
those who are abused.
"The Executive's view is that there is a case for
extending these protections to all vulnerable adults and we
want the views of interested parties on the possible
benefits and implications of such reform."
The consultation is based on recommendations in the
Scottish Law Commission's 1997 report on Vulnerable
Adults.
The Consultation paper is issued for a 12 week
consultation period, with the closing date for responses
being Friday 8 March 2002.