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Vulnerable Adults: Protection

Answer

The Government is committed to protecting those at risk of abuse and neglect. We want to see a focused and effective safeguarding system, where harm or risk of harm is identified, acted upon effectively and ultimately prevented. This is a distressing case and we hope lessons will be learnt by all the agencies involved.

As regards ensuring that lessons are learned, the Care Act 2014 requires Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB) to publish an annual report on what it has done to act on the findings of the completed Safeguarding Adult Reviews or, where it has decided not to act on a finding, why not.

In terms of publication timings, the Care Act does not compel SABs to publish the final reports or summaries. The Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board published the Serious Case Review relating to Tom on their website and their 2016/17 annual report will be available on their website in due course.

Finally, the processes to hold any individual or organisation to account include criminal proceedings, disciplinary procedures, employment law and systems of service and professional regulation. All documentation the SAB receives from registered providers which is relevant to the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s regulatory functions will be given to the CQC.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

5670

Session

2017-19

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Injuries Protection Rehabilitation Vulnerable adults Somerset Brain

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk