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Practitioner guidance on criminal exploitation

Guidance to support a shared understanding of criminal exploitation to help assist with early identification of those at risk from serious organised crime. This guidance also applies to criminal exploitation which is not linked to serious organised crime. The guidance also contains information on human trafficking.

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Consenting adults: capacity, rights and sexual relationships

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.

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Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about human trafficking and slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, including provision about offences and sentencing, provision for victim support and provision to reduce activity related to offences.

Trafficking can involve victims being sexually exploited or forced into the role of a servant, or trapped in forced labour. Nail bars, car washes and construction are amongst the industries where potential cases in Scotland have been reported.

Cover of Act, with title and crest

Opening doors: Trauma-informed practice for the workforce

This animation is about adopting a trauma-informed approach. It supports workers to adapt the way they work to make a positive difference to people affected by trauma and adversity. It conveys the experience of trauma and protective strategies that people affected by trauma may develop, supporting workers to think about these in their work. It helps workers to resist re-traumatising people, and to maximise the participation of people affected by trauma.

No such thing as an AWI: Podcast

This series of podcasts introduces different aspects of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. A wide range of people share their perspectives, learning and experiences.

Episodes include:

  • The development of incapacity legislation in Scotland
  • Anne's story (the experiences of a welfare and financial guardian)
  • Assessment of capacity and consent to treatment for Advanced Nurse Practitioners
  • The AWI Act and hospital discharge: Part 1
  • The AWI Act and hospital discharge: Part 2
Series of interlinked hexagons

Staying safe from abuse (Age Scotland)

This guide, aimed at the general public (especially older people), sets out the different types of abuse. It outlines actions people can take to keep themselves safe, and actions to take if someone is being abused. National helpline numbers are included.

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Annual report on significant case reviews and learning reviews for adults 2022-2023

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.

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Comparison of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (ASP) with the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (AWI) and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (MHCT)

This document contains several tables, each of which provides short extracts from the Acts for comparison purposes. These include:

  • Who is subject to the provisions of the ASP, AWI and MHCT Acts
  • A short overview of Orders, Warrants and Certificates
  • The principles
  • Duty to investigate / inquire
  • Duty to co-operate
  • Entry to premises / visits
  • Medical assessment/examination/treatment
  • Examination of records
  • Banning orders / interdicts
  • Urgent action
  • Financial interventions
Cover of comparison report

What is domestic abuse? (Easy Read)

This downloadable six-page leaflet is in Easy Read format and sets out what domestic abuse is. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. The leaflet also sets out many different ways in which people can get help around domestic abuse.

Image from Easy Read leaflet

Adults with Incapacity (AWI) for Health, Social Work and Social Care: Learning resource

This learning resource is designed to support the development of knowledge and understanding of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. It aims to support and promote people’s rights in the application of the Act in health, social work and social care.

Included with this resource is an eLearning module, principles of the AWI Act, a podcast, a quick guide, a 'mythbusting' section and a resource library. It is part of TURAS and a free account is required to access the resource.

Screenshot of AWI Act