Adult protection policy

A UK-Wide Approach to Adult Protection: National policy on powers.

Does England need stronger powers of entry legislation? This Hourglass policy briefing paper explores the policy and legislation on current adult protection powers in the four nations, specifically concentrating on power of entry. Within this piece, Hourglass outlines the background, examines the salient issues in this area, and outlines key future policy recommendations for policymakers, legislators, and practitioners.  

 

Key Issues:

 

  • Under present legislation in England, situations may arise where a social worker cannot access an adult at risk to conduct a private interview where there is suspected abuse.

 

  • Adult protection legislation in Scotland and Wales makes particular provision for instances of hindering or obstruction by a third party through a codified power of entry.

 

  • A majority of social workers in England have been found to support the introduction of a power of entry.

 

  • Evaluation of the Adult Support and Protection Act (Scotland) (2007) has concluded that additional powers for social workers support good safeguarding practice. 

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