Do you want an overview of Adult Support and Protection (ASP), why it matters, and an introduction to key definitions and processes reflecting updated guidance and the revised Code of Practice (2022)? Are you interested in who adults at risk in Scotland are, the key challenges facing ASP in a changed and changing context; why the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act, 2007, which defines and provides ASP with its legislative framework, was introduced in the first place?
If so, Adult Support and Protection: everyone's business is for you and everyone else with a part to play in keeping adults at risk safe – whether you work in local authorities, health, police, fire and rescue or the third sector, or whether you are a member of the public. As the report makes clear, ASP is everyone’s business.
The report shines a light on adults at risk in Scotland providing a profile of who they are. The data contained within it draws on annual data returns to the Scottish Government which Iriss have helped collate and analyse in recent years. It’s also the data contained in today’s statistical release from Scottish Government (2023)
ASP is a relatively young and developing community of practice; it operates in a changed and changing policy and practice context, with growing appreciation that it can have direct relevance to a broader range of people than originally anticipated. It increasingly sits within a wider discourse on Public Protection, with opportunities to further develop links across different services and policy areas. There are also opportunities to improve and learn at both local and national level. The revised 2022 Code Of Practice highlights the need for a trauma-informed approach and consideration of coercion, control or undue pressure in considering what impact it can have on an adult’s ability to safeguard themselves. This will form part of ASP’s ongoing evolution, as will commitments to further developing rights-based and person-centred approaches.
ASP has an important and growing contribution to make to the lives of adults at risk of harm, offering support as well as protection; preventing or reducing current or future harm. As the report makes clear, multi-agency working lies at the heart of an effective approach and ASP is everyone’s business.
