The Care Act (2014)
The Care Act 2014 was implemented to provide a clearer approach to Adult Social Care and covers a wide range of areas. When considering scams, the relevant area of focus is Safeguarding. Safeguarding means protecting an adult with care and support needs to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Prevention is a key aspect of the safeguarding agenda. Organisations should always promote the person’s wellbeing in their safeguarding arrangements. Professionals should work with the adult to establish what being safe means to them and how that can be best achieved.
The Main Points:
People have the right to live free from harm and abuse.
Statistics show that people who are vulnerable due to their circumstances, such as experiencing a bereavement, tend to be targeted by scams.
The statutory guidance provided under the Care Act defines a number of categories of abuse that adults may experience including physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, modern slavery and financial abuse. Scams constitute financial abuse and can incorporate other forms of abuse such as emotional and psychological abuse.
Safeguarding is for everyone and Adult Social Care will often work with multiple agencies in order to resolve a safeguarding enquiry.