Safeguarding adults

safeguarding adults holding hands The Care Act 2014 sets out statutory responsibility for the integration of care and support between health and local authorities. This came into force in April 2015.

Safeguarding adult’s means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. This applies to those aged 18 years and over.

The aims of safeguarding adults are:

  • to prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs
  • to safeguard individuals in a way that supports them in making choices and having control in how they choose to live their lives 
  • to promote and outcomes approach in safeguarding that works for people resulting in the best experience possible
  • to raise public awareness so that professionals, other staff and communities as a whole play their part in preventing, identifying and responding to abuse and neglect

A person may also be vulnerable because of a temporary illness or difficulty.

An adult at risk may have difficulty in making their wishes and feelings known and this may make them vulnerable to abuse. It may also mean that they are not able to make their own decisions or choices.

If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult is at risk, contact the Adult Abuse Reporting Line:

020 8760 5691 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

020 8726 6500 (For Emergencies)

Email: CroydonAdultSupport@croydon.gov.uk

If you have a DOLS query, please contact the DOLs team on 020 8760 5534 | Fax: 02082563507 | Email: dols@croydon.gov.uk