Adult protection significant case reviews: interim framework

Criteria for establishing whether a case is significant

A significant case need not comprise just one significant incident. In some cases concerns may be cumulative. A case is significant when one of the following applies:

a) Where the adult is, or was, subject to adult support and protection processes

(i) When an adult at risk of harm dies and the incident or accumulation of incidents (a case) gives rise to significant/serious concerns about professional or service involvement in relation to an adult who is, or was, the subject of adult support and protection processes, and one or more of the following apply:

• harm or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the adult's death;
• the death is by suicide or accidental death;
• the death is by alleged murder, culpable homicide, reckless conduct, or act of violence.

or

(ii) When an adult at risk of harm has not died but has sustained harm or risk of harm as defined in the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and in addition to this, the critical incident or accumulation of incidents (a case) gives rise to significant/serious concerns about professional or service involvement in relation to an adult who is, or was, the subject of adult support and protection processes.

b) Where the adult who died or sustained serious harm was not subject to adult support and protection processes

(i) When the findings of an inquiry or review by another organisation or court proceedings, or a referral from another organisation gives rise to significant/serious concerns about lack of involvement in relation to the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

or

(ii) The Adult Protection Committee determines there may be learning to be gained through conducting a Significant Case Review.