Briefings, reviews and reports

The progress report by Scottish Government is in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The original action plan, which this report assess progress on, was published in 2016. It was informed by evidence and consultation with the direct involvement of disabled people and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

The action plan, and this report, is based on the social model of disability (as opposed to the medical model of disability).

This paper explores research evidence on the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. In particular, it considers whether safeguarding powers and duties a set out in the Act can achieve a proportionate balance between individual autonomy and the state's duties to protect adults at risk of harm.

This report explores the intersections between women’s lived experience of learning disability and involvement in commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). It collected data and experiences from support staff in the learning disabilities and wider support sectors in order to understand the dynamics of learning disabled women's experiences of CSE. It also explores service responses and contains recommendations for future work.

This one-page explainer sets out what can be found in the resource Understanding age in Child Protection guidance and Adult Support and Protection legislation. It explains how to get the most out of the resource, especially for those working with 16 and 17 year olds. This one-page explainer also contains additional reflective questions to consider and ideas for group learning sessions on the topic.

People with mental illness, dementia, learning disability or related conditions have the same human rights as anyone else to sexual expression, sexual relationships, marriage and children. These are an important part of life. But some may lack capacity or judgement to make informed decisions. They may therefore be vulnerable and at greater risk of abuse, exploitation or other serious consequences. This good practice guide supports professionals to balance rights and risks, recognising that there is always some risk, and that it is important not to be over-protective.

This report sets out the significant themes found in Adult Support and Protection learning reviews / significant case reviews between October 2022 and November 2023. It includes information regarding notification of learning reviews, reviews the information contained in learning reviews, assesses the impact on practice, and sets out next steps / future recommendations.

This good practice guide sets out the law and basic principles related to independent advocacy. This guidance aims to help practitioners make sure that advocacy is encouraged and that the
advocate plays an important role in care and treatment, as intended by the legislation.

Several good practice examples and case studies are included.

This guidance is intended to provide a useful overview for a range of practitioners tasked with safeguarding the welfare and finances of adults who lack capacity. It should help provide professionals and relatives/adults with some confidence in understanding ways to effectively manage the finances of a person who cannot manage their finances themselves. While it is not comprehensive, the guidance does cover the main options available for financial management for an adult who has been assessed as lacking capacity.

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 imposed a duty on local authorities and health boards to collaborate to ensure the availability of independent advocacy services in their area. The Act gave everyone with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions the right to access independent advocacy support.

This learning report shares the experience of improving the response to human trafficking in a rural local authority. It is a culmination of the work of a short life working group and national support agencies. It clearly sets out the learning points around partnerships, processes, multi-agency guidance, workforce development and evaluation.