Adult Support and Protection Bill published in Scotland

A new bill aiming to offer greater protection to adults at risk of abuse has been published by the Scottish executive.

The Adult Support and Protection Bill will provide powers to set up new multi-agency adult protection committees and place a duty on agencies to investigate suspected abuse. The bill also covers assessment and intervention in cases of abuse.

Deputy health minister Lewis Macdonald said: “The formation of adult protection committees will help professionals to exercise their judgement in what kind of intervention is best, when this is necessary. Any actions they take must be to the benefit of individuals concerned and will take account of their feelings.”

The Association of Directors of Social Work welcomed the bill.

Alex Davidson, chair of the ADSW physical disability and sensory Impairment group, said: “The bill places an emphasis on support and protection and means social workers with colleagues in the NHS, housing and the police will be able to more adequately intervene when there are concerns about individual harm or risk for individuals living in the community.”

The Vulnerable Adults Alliance Scotland also praised the new bill.