Interagency collaboration in adult support and protection in Scotland: processes and barriers
Year: 2009
Type: report
Abstract: A multiple methods research study of cases entailing adult protection in Scotland prior to the implementation of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 was undertaken to: (a) examine the fine grain of agency and interagency working in adult protection cases; (b) provide a basepoint to compare such activity before and after implementation of the Act; (c) provide the groundwork for future audit in such cases after implementation of the Act.Twenty three cases were studied in detail through case file analysis, interviews with professionals across agencies involved in the cases, interviews with relevant policy makers and study of adult protection procedures in the four local authorities involved.A further 22 cases were also considered in settings in which multiple cases were identified.This information was synthesised in a tabular chronology with agency and interagency communication and activity coded and organised into key themes.Cases related to a wide range of disabilities and conditions were considered including older people with and without dementia or neurological conditions, and people with intellectual disabilities, as well as individuals with brain damage, mental health problems and difficulties in mediating their social relationships.The setting in which the abuse took place or allegedly took place divided principally into family homes and managed or supported settings such as care homes and individual tenancies .. While social work departments were involved in all cases, health professionals and the police also played significant roles, as did a range of service providers.Their activities are considered agency by agency and with respect to the collaboration of each with its partner agencies.The findings are considered with respect to how occupational cultures affected adult protection activity, how cases were conceptualised or framed as adult protection cases or otherwise, and operational considerations.Examples of good practice were identified, though a wide range of shortcomings in implementing operational procedures was also noted.Consideration was given to a range of specific issues including multiple and serial abuse, risks posed to other adults in contact with the alleged perpetrator, consequences for the perpetrator, risks to children, independent advocacy in adult protection cases and the nature and role of risk assessment.Detailed attention is given to the role of the alleged victims and their families in the cases.In volume 2 of this report, 25 recommendations and the associated action required are made on the basis of the findings 1.
Authors: James Stephen Hogg, Fiona Sherwood‐Johnson, Brigid Daniel, Ann Ferguson
Language: English
Topic: Elder Abuse and Neglect
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2900868457