The protection of vulnerable people is a priority for Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland and other partners. We work together, using preventative methods and early intervention, to protect adults who may be at risk of harm.
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 places a duty on councils to make the necessary inquiries and investigations to establish whether or not further action is required to stop or prevent harm occurring, and includes:
- a requirement for specified public bodies to co-operate with local councils and each other about adult protection investigations;
- a range of protection orders including assessment orders, removal orders and banning orders; and
- the establishment of multi-disciplinary Adult Protection Committees.
The Act defines 'adults at risk' as individuals, aged 16 years or over, who:
- are unable to safeguard themselves, their property, rights or other interests;
- are at risk of harm; and
- because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than others who are not so affected.
This is the 3 Point Test.
Here is a short Introduction to the Act, and a brief guidance note about how to apply the '3 Point Test':
If you are concerned that an adult might be affected by any kind of harm, abuse, exploitation or neglect, you can call any of the following numbers:
- Aberdeen City Council Duty Social Work Team/Out of Hours Social Work Team (24 hours): 0800 731 5520
- Police Scotland: 101
- Care Inspectorate: 0345 600 9527
Or, if you are clear that the adult is 'at risk', as defined by the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, you can report your concern to Aberdeen City Council using the following link: