New powers to protect adult victims of suspected abuse

New powers to protect adults suspected of being victims of abuse will be proposed in Wales, Welsh Labour’s Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas has announced.

The Welsh Labour Government intends to bring forward its proposals when the Social Services and Well-being Bill is introduced in January next year. The proposed power would enable social services to enter a property to speak to someone they think could be at risk of abuse or neglect, without interference from others in the house who might obstruct access.

The wishes of the adult at risk should form the basis of any support given. This power would enable social services to ascertain whether a person is making decisions freely and without undue influence from an abuser. Following the publication of consultation results on the forthcoming legislation, Gwenda Thomas also said that she will consider establishing a National Independent Safeguarding Board, and Safeguarding Adults Boards with a specific focus on adults at risk.

These would initially work in parallel with new Safeguarding Children Boards, but the proposed legislation would allow decisions on mergers to be made locally where it would improve safeguarding arrangements for everyone.