A NEW policy and procedure designed to protect vulnerable adults from abuse is set to be formerly launched by public sector bodies on the Isle of Wight next Friday (November 30).
Isle of Wight Council, the Island’s Primary Care Trust and the police are joining forces to launch the ‘Safeguarding Adults’ policy at Ryde Theatre the Isle of Wight — along with care home owners and voluntary sector partners.
The strategy has been drawn up following a Health Select Committee enquiry conducted by the government which aimed to improve protection of vulnerable adults.
The policy aims to ensure a more co-ordinated approach between agencies such as the council, the Island’s health service, the police, care home owners and voluntary sector partners to protect those most in need such as people with learning disabilities and older people with dementia.
The revised framework aims to give clearer guidelines about when agencies should intervene in suspected abuse cases, who should make decisions about a vulnerable person’s future needs and the appropriate agency to tackle any real or suspected abuse.
Implementation of the revised procedures will be closely monitored by the Isle of Wight Safeguarding Adults Management Board.
The board will also be urged to develop stronger partnership working practices to ensure that the abuse of vulnerable adults is understood, reported and thus prevented.
As well as seeking to protect vulnerable adults from physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, the policy is designed to protect vulnerable adults from people who may try to take advantage of them by trying to misuse or misappropriate their money.
Councillor Dawn Cousins Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for health and well being said: “Much good work has been done to safeguard adults but there still remain a significant number of people for whom abuse compromises their access to safety, to timely and effective interventions in the criminal justice system, and which looks after their housing, health and social care needs.
“This important new policy cements existing good practice as well as improving communication between the various agencies which are involved in the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse.”
Inspector Owen Kenny the Isle of Wight Police’s public protection inspector said: “The Isle of Wight Police works closely with partner agencies to protect all vulnerable people within our community.
“This new safeguarding adults policy enhances and formalises the exisiting excellent cooperation between agencies in providing this protection.”
Carol Alstrom,Chief Nurse at Isle of Wight PCT said:”This new policy and procedure will enable staff in all agencies to support vulnerable adults within a clear framework.
“I welcome this new guidance which will help strengthen the working relationships with our partners as well as supporting vulnerable adults”
