Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: guidance for General Practice

Locations and sources of harm

Harm can occur in any setting, and can be caused by anyone:

Locations:

• the individual's own home;
• a care setting, hospital setting;
• respite setting;
• in a public space, in the wider community.

And be perpetrated by:

• a relative;
• spouse;
• carer (paid or unpaid);
• acquaintance;
• fellow service user;
• neighbour;
• fraudsters;
• member of staff;
• stranger;
• the individual themselves.

The harm may be intentional or unintentional but it will be important to speak with the adult at risk of harm alone. It may also be appropriate to speak with the carer. Prompts to such a conversation can include:

I'm quite concerned that you're not getting the support you need OR Is there anything I can help you with? OR Can you tell me how you're managing the situation? It may also be useful to speak about their carer's right to an adult carer support plan.

If you are refused access to the adult and your information causes you to know or believe that the adult is at risk of harm you should consider making a referral.