Safeguarding Adults

Jackie Martin,
Russell House Publishing
ISBN 9781903855980
£13.95

Star rating: 3/5

This book is part of the “Theory into Practice” series and is intended for practitioners, writes Linda Naylor.

There is some useful material but in places it is over-theoretical, for example in exploring the different definitions of “vulnerable adult”. A stronger emphasis on practice and processes would have made it more relevant.

There is useful material on policy and law although the structure is confusing. The treatment of the Human Rights Act 1998 is very good, but the section on the law around information- sharing is confusing. There is a section on options for intervention that could have been useful. Instead, it is a unbalanced mix of legal and other responses to abuse – leaving
out significant options and over-emphasising others.

There are useful chapters on the role of carers and service user involvement. Some interesting challenges are presented
for reflection although these can feel patronising in style.

Case illustrations are used to good effect at various points. More of these and greater emphasis on the process of dealing
with abuse would have been useful. The emphasis on anti-discriminatory practice is excellent and would be particularly useful
for social workers looking for post-qualifying course material.

The book is worth reading for students, especially those needing to explore anti-discriminatory issues in relation to adult
protection. But it is not a practical tool for busy practitioners looking for an introduction to adult protection, law and policy.

Linda Naylor is an independent trainer