Adult Support and Protection (ASP) is designed to support and protect adults who are unable to safeguard themselves, their property and their rights. The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (ASPA) both defines and provides the legislation framework for all of this work.
This report aims to raise awareness of ASP and its important role and contribution in keeping ‘adults at risk’ safe. It should be of interest to all stakeholders, whether they work in local authorities, health, police, fire and rescue, or the third sector; or the public themselves. This report will:
- Introduce readers to key ASP definitions, duties, processes and stakeholders. This will begin with ASP’s origin story, providing the rationale for the introduction of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act (2007) which gives ASP its name and legislative framework, and places it within a wider legislative context.
- Share what we know about adults at risk of harm, who they are and what harms they are experiencing, highlighting any significant trends and possible contributing factors, including COVID-19.
- Highlight key issues to consider when supporting and protecting adults at risk of harm and live issues going forward in a changing environment, with future implications for various sectors.
