Welfare reform on the Web (February 2007): Social care - UK

New abuse laws in Scotland

A. Brammer

Journal of Adult Protection, vol.8, Dec. 2006, p. 39-43

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering new legislation in the shape of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill, which aims to introduce measures to protect people at risk of abuse due to mental illness, age, or disability. The bill contains new powers to:

1. Investigate suspected abuse
2. Carry out assessments of the person and their circumstances
3. Intervene to remove the adult or manage the risk of abuse
4. If necessary, and as a last resort, to exclude the perpetrator