Personal characteristics of adult at risk that increase vulnerability may include: Personal characteristics of the adult at risk that decrease vulnerability may include:

• not having mental capacity to make decisions about their own safety including fluctuating mental capacity associated with mental illness and other conditions

• communication difficulties

• physical dependency on others for personal care and activities of daily living

• low self esteem

• experience of abuse

• childhood experience of abuse

• having mental capacity to make decisions about their own safety

• good physical and mental health

• having no communication difficulties or if so, having the right equipment/support

• no physical dependency or if needing help, able to self direct care

• positive former life experiences

• self confidence and high self esteem

Social/situational factors that increase the risk of abuse may include: Social/situational factors that decrease the risk of abuse my include:

• being cared for in a care  setting,  that is, more or less dependent on others

• not getting the right amount or right kind of care that they need

• isolation and social exclusion

• stigma and discrimination

• lack of access to information and support

• being the focus of anti-social behaviour

• good family relationships

• active social life and circle of friends

• able to participate in the wider community

• good knowledge and access to the range of community facilities

• remaining independent and active

• access to sources of relevant information

Welcome to the web site belonging to the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board (CSAB).

The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board is committed to promoting and protecting the safety of adults at risk from abuse and neglect in Cumbria. The Board brings together representatives of each of the main statutory and regulatory agencies, representatives from providers of services and from the voluntary sector responsible for helping to protect adults at risk from abuse and neglect.  It acts as an inter-agency forum for agreeing how agencies should cooperate to safeguard adults at risk and ensure that local arrangements work effectively to bring about positive outcomes for the people of Cumbria.

Safeguarding Adults work means all work that enables an adult who is or may be eligible for community care services to retain independence, well being and choice and access their human right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect.

The term ‘adult at risk’ means:

• ‘A person aged 18 years or over who is or maybe in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness;

AND

• Who is or maybe unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.’ (DoH, 2000)

An adult at risk may therefore be a person who:

• Is elderly and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment

• Has a learning disability

• Has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment

• Has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder

• Has a long term illness/condition

• Misuses substances or alcohol

• Is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse

• Is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support

Of course not all individuals from these groups would see themselves, or be seen by others, as an adult at risk.

In the context of Safeguarding Adults, the vulnerability of the adult at risk is related to how able they are to make and exercise their own informed choices free from duress, pressure or undue influence, and to protect themselves from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The vulnerability of an adult at risk is determined by a range of interconnected factors including personal characteristics, factors associated with their situation or environment and social factors.

Factors determining vulnerability

There can be no secrets and no hiding place when it comes to exposing the abuse and neglect of adults at risk. Some are at risk of harm or abuse because they are seen as easy targets. Others live with few of no social contacts, or in situations where they depend or rely on others for basic care and support. Others may lack the mental capacity to be aware of the risks.

Keeping adults at risk safe from abuse or harm is a key objective for the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board.