Supporting and Protecting Adults at Risk of Harm

Who are Adults at Risk?

People aged 16 and over who are unable to protect themselves from harm because of a disability, mental disorder, illness, physical or mental infirmity.

What is Harm?

Harm may be:

• Physical
• Neglect
• Financial
• Sexual
• Psychological
• Discriminatory

Harm may happen anywhere

Who may cause harm?

• Relatives and family
• Professional staff
• Paid care workers
• Volunteers
• Other service users
• Neighbours
• Friends

Anybody may cause harm

What should you do?

• Make sure the adult is safe
• If immediate help is needed dial 999
• Contact one of the services mentioned listed below or use the online reporting form to tell us who you are concerned about.

What will I be asked?

You will be asked who you are calling about and why you are concerned. You might be asked how you know the adult involved.

You do not need to give your name if you do not wish to.

What happens next?

The Council has a duty to investigate an alleged incident of harm. Other professionals may be involved, for example police officers or health services. The investigation will be handled as sensitively as possible. The adult will be listened to and their wishes considered. If the concerns are serious the Council will act immediately to make sure the adult is safe.

Your concerns will be treated with the respect and attention they deserve.

Don't leave it to someone else to do – it might be too late!

Adult Protection Contact Numbers

• Aberdeen City Council Social Work Duty Team: 01224 522 055
• Aberdeen City Council Social Work Out of Hours: 01224 693 936
• Grampian Police 0845 6 00 57 00
• Care Inspectorate: 01224 79 38 70

You can fill in a Reporting Form online here: online reporting form.

If you wish further information, the Grampian Policy for the Support and Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm can be found here: Grampian Policy for the Support and Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm.

Contacts

• Social Work Duty Team
  Business Hub 3
  Ground Floor South
  Marischal College
  Broad Street
  Aberdeen
  AB10 1AB
  Phone: 01224 522 055
  Email: Duty@aberdeencity.gov.uk
  
  
• Out of Hours Service
  Social Care and Wellbeing
  Business Hub 8
  First Floor North
  Marischal College
  Broad Street
  Aberdeen
  AB10 1AB
  Phone: 01224 693 936
  Fax: 01224 66 39 56
  Email: OOHS@aberdeencity.gov.uk
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I report my suspicions that an adult is being harmed?