Chamber and committees

The Adult Support and Protection Act 2007 provides for local authorities to investigate abuse or neglect of vulnerable people by carers, or others, and to take action to protect adults at risk from further harm. The police can conduct a criminal investigation and if a carer is subsequently found guilty of a criminal offence this could result in them being sent to jail. Where the Care Inspectorate identifies adults receiving care are at risk of harm it will refer these matters directly to the local authority, and or police, to investigate. The Care Inspectorate expects care services to notify it of incidents that cause harm or potential harm to people using care services. Once notified, the Care Inspectorate may investigate further or conduct scrutiny where it has concerns about risks to vulnerable people. A & E and other NHS staff are expected to notify the appropriate local authority if they suspect a carer of abusing or neglecting a vulnerable person.