New protections proposed for vulnerable adults

Vulnerable adults would receive improved protection under
proposals in a new Scottish executive consultation paper.

The paper suggests extending new protections for vulnerable
adults with a mental disorder, to other groups of vulnerable
adults. The protections were announced in October, as part of the
planned Mental Health Act by the Scottish executive.

Local authorities may be given the power to enter a home,
medically examine and remove an adult they believe is at risk of
serious harm.

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 period, with a
closing date of 8 March 2002.