Under the Adult Support and Protection legislation Social Work Resources has the lead responsibility for Adult Protection. However Health, Police and other agencies work together to prevent and respond to situations where someone is being harmed
Within South Lanarkshire Council the lead officer for carrying out Adult Protection work are Council Officers. Council Officers will be Social Workers or Occupational Therapists who have:
- 12 months post qualifying experience of working and managing risk
- Completed advanced Level 3 Adult Protection training
- Registered with a professional body such as Scottish Social Services Council
Social Work Roles and Responsibilities
The Act gives Social Work the following duties and powers:
- Powers to Inquire & Investigate
- Duty to Co-operate
- Consider support services such as advocacy
- Power to Visit, Interview and request a Medical Examinations
- Power to consider Protection Orders
Council Employee Roles and Responsibilities
The Act places a duty upon all council employees to report concerns.
If you know or believe that an adult is at risk of harm please follow the 3 'R' Rule:
- Recognise harm - spot the signs, do not ignore and do something
- Record harm - listen carefully to the adult, believe what you hear and take short notes
- Report harm - all concerns should be reported to your line manager in the first instance
Note: Failure to report your concerns is a failure in your duty of care and may result in disciplinary action.
