Guidance Fifteen - Vulnerable adults as alleged perpetrators

Introduction

When vulnerable adults perpetrate abuse the main concern should remain with the victim. However, as staff it is important to remember that you still have a duty of care to all adults receiving a community care service.  This includes those who perpetrate abuse against another vulnerable adult, who will need the same or greater care and support as was available before.

Working with Service Users who Perpetrate Abuse

When working with service users who are alleged or have perpetrated abuse you should consider the following:

• Human rights continue for alleged perpetrators in all aspects and they could still be prosecuted if a crime has been committed or where evidence exists of a possible offence;
• Assessment of needs and risks relating to a vulnerable adult who may have abused someone should proceed in balance with meeting the needs of the alleged victim and safeguarding other potentially vulnerable adults in receipt of the service’s care.  This will require a separate strategy discussion;
• A care plan devised should include; clear actions, specified responsibilities for such actions at all relevant levels in provider organisations; expected responsibilities of the person, and, agreed methods and timescales for monitoring progress on the actions;
• Effective liaison between service providers, police, and courts should be maintained in order to ensure satisfactory support to alleged offenders who may be (or have been in the past) identified as vulnerable adults. Quick and appropriate advice for such people should be determined at the earliest possible stage in their contact with the Criminal Justice System and an ‘appropriate adult’ should be considered.
• Service limitations should not dictate an inadequate response to the needs of vulnerable adults who may be perpetrators of abuse when they have been assessed as posing a continued risk to other vulnerable adults.  Crisis intervention services should be maintained in order to prevent or limit the potential harm that one vulnerable adult might cause to others, prior to a more thorough response ensuing;
• Good practice should include consideration for the provision of an advocate or IMCA.  For more details on IMCAs, see Appendix 11 - Nottinghamshire Mental Capacity Act Policy;
• The Nottingham(shire) Information Sharing Protocol should be followed in relation to vulnerable adults who may perpetrate abuse in the same manner as other vulnerable adults;
• Congregating perpetrators in the same unit/facility as adults considered at high risk of similarly abusive actions should be avoided.
  
  
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