Hannah Martin

Understanding age in Child Protection guidance and Adult Support and Protection legislation

This report explores working with 16 and 17 year olds through Adult Support and Protection (ASP) legislation and Child Protection (CP) guidance. Included is a guidance and legislation table, which can be used as a reference for professionals working with this age group. This is complemented by a discussion of tensions and challenges in the legislation and guidance. There is also a qualitative exploration of practitioner experience in working with 16 and 17 year olds.

Title page of publication

Understanding age: presentation to CPC/ASP joint meeting

This presentation was delivered in April 2024 to a joint child protection / Adult Support and Protection meeting. Children and adults are defined in different ways in legislation. While ASP is applicable to someone over 16, child protection may be applicable up to the age of 18. In theory, therefore, both ASP and Child Protection guidance can apply to 16 and 17 year olds. This presentation gives an overview of that overlap and the interface between these two areas of support. It also covers the experience of working with 16 and 17 year olds from a practitioner perspective.

Title slide for presentation

The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!