The Journal of Adult Protection

vLex
Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publication date:
2021-02-01
ISBN:
1466-8203

Issue Number

Latest documents

  • Ben Troke (2024) A Practical Guide to the Law of Deprivation of Liberty Somerset: Law Brief Publishing
  • Editorial
  • Investigating deaths of people with autistic spectrum disorder in health and social care in England and Wales

    Purpose: This paper aims to examine the trends identified in inquests conducted in the Coronial system in England and Wales for individuals formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where the death occurred within a health or social care setting. Design/methodology/approach: It uses data from 42 reports to prevent future deaths (PFDs) issued by Coroners to establish where and in what contexts each death occurred. PFDs are sent to organisations that Coroners believe could act to PFDs. Findings: The research identified four key findings. Firstly, 33% of the deaths identified were not recorded as suicides, marking a clear departure from the extant literature on this issue. Secondly, data highlighted a lack of training and education of staff to understand the complexity of autism. Thirdly, this lack of understanding was often compounded by a lack of specialist provision for people with ASD. Fourthly, Coroners attributed a number of deaths to an individual’s autism, which served to some extent to mask the failures of the agencies involved in the care of the decedent. Originality/value: There is limited research available about the preventable deaths of individuals with ASD in health and social care settings. This paper makes an initial step in highlighting significant structural failures that can lead to preventable deaths.

  • To protect and serve: a review of initiatives to support of police officers to better meet the needs of older adult

    Purpose: Police officers increasingly respond to incidents involving aging-related issues, where older adults are vulnerable and require tailored approaches. This scoping review aims to map initiatives aimed at enhancing interactions between older adults and police and evaluates outcomes. Findings inform the development of a geriatrics-focused police training curriculum to support age-friendly policing. A literature search across major databases and grey literature yielded 20 relevant publications. Three main initiatives were identified: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. These insights highlight effective strategies for improving police responses to aging-related challenges and guide future research and policy in this domain. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a scoping review methodology guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and PRISMA-ScR checklist. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and executed across multiple databases and grey literature sources. Screening and selection of relevant studies were conducted in duplicate, with data extraction focusing on key elements such as study objectives, design, interventions and outcomes. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings from included studies, highlighting three principal initiatives: geriatrics-oriented training programs, specialized geriatric police units and geriatrics-oriented policing guidelines. This approach aimed to map existing evidence, inform the development of a geriatrics-focused training curriculum and identify best practices for age-friendly policing. Findings: The scoping review identified 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings highlighted varied approaches to enhancing police interactions with older adults, emphasizing training as pivotal. Effective strategies included specialized units, tailored training programs and guidelines integrating geriatrics principles. Key outcomes encompassed improved officer knowledge, communication skills and attitudes toward older adults, fostering enhanced service delivery and community relations. Evidence underscored the importance of ongoing education and collaborative partnerships in optimizing policing responses to aging populations, advocating for sustainable, age-friendly policing practices. Research limitations/implications: The review’s limitations stem from primarily English-language studies, potentially overlooking non-English literature. Variability in study designs and outcomes poses challenges to synthesizing findings comprehensively. Limited generalizability may result due to geographic and cultural differences in policing practices. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies assessing long-term impacts and broader inclusion of diverse policing contexts and perspectives, enhancing applicability and depth of understanding in optimizing police interactions with older adults. Practical implications: Practical implications include informing policy makers and law enforcement agencies about effective strategies to enhance interactions with older adults, emphasizing communication skills and de-escalation techniques. Training programs should integrate age-sensitive approaches to improve officers’ awareness and response to older adults’ needs and vulnerabilities. Implementing community engagement initiatives can foster trust and cooperation, contributing to safer and more supportive environments for older adults in policing interactions. These efforts can ultimately promote enhanced well-being and reduced conflicts between law enforcement and older adults. Social implications: Social implications highlight the need for broader societal awareness and education regarding the challenges faced by older adults in interactions with law enforcement. Addressing ageism and promoting respectful treatment can enhance community trust and reduce misunderstandings. Improved interactions between older adults and law enforcement can foster a more inclusive and supportive society, ensuring that older adults feel valued and protected. This can contribute to overall social cohesion and a more equitable experience for older adults in their interactions with law enforcement agencies. Originality/value: The originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of age-related issues and law enforcement interactions, a relatively underexplored area in both gerontology and criminal justice research. By examining the perceptions and experiences of older adults and law enforcement officers, it provides valuable insights into mitigating ageism and improving interactions. The study’s findings contribute to enhancing understanding of how to promote respectful and effective communication between these groups, thereby offering practical implications for policy and training initiatives aimed at fostering better relationships and outcomes for older adults in law enforcement encounters.

  • An analysis of domestic homicide review recommendations for adult safeguarding in England

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse recommendations made in domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) in England relating to adult safeguarding – largely focussing on those aged 66+ − to identify key areas for learning and how equality, diversity and inclusion issues (EDI) are considered in DHRs. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed methods approach was used to analyse 24 DHRs spanning 2015–2018. A qualitative template was created to extract information, followed by a critical thematic analysis. A quantitative matrix was then developed, enabling a descriptive quantitative analysis, identifying the most prevalent types of recommendations. An additional descriptive quantitative analysis of the 24 DHRs was undertaken for context. Findings: Intimate partner homicide comprised half the homicides (12); adult family homicide comprised 11; and one homicide was an amicicide. DHRs recommended improvements in: information management/multi-agency working (83%); targeted domestic abuse training (67%); developing/abiding by policies (67%); enhancing professional practice (54%); improved domestic abuse risk and carers assessments (50%). EDI was seldom considered. Originality/value: New analysis is provided on the different types and contexts of domestic homicides involving older adults, the need for strengthened guidance regarding DA and adult safeguarding, tailored DA training and challenging “blind spots” relating to ageist assumptions, the invisibility of familial abuse, a lack of service oversight where care is self-funded and limited consideration of EDI.

  • Social workers dealing with situations of abuse against adults and older people: a research study in an Italian region

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the point of view and the interventions of social workers working in local authority social services on the issue of abuse against vulnerable adults and older people. The cases are analyzed from the perspective of dangerous care, considering the interpersonal level of violence and the structural and contextual conditions. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative methodology; 49 semistructured interviews with social workers across seven districts in a province in Northern Italy were carried out. The interviews included both open-ended questions and the description of specific cases. Findings: This study highlights how the shortcomings in the welfare system (lack of legislation, dedicated services and protocols between different services) and the complexity of cases (often involving family members with personal issues) negatively impact social workers’ professional practice. Social workers often operate in solitude and encounter ethical dilemmas. This isolation can lead them to adopt an approach aimed at controlling situations, which may not always take into account the preferences of the individuals directly involved. Research limitations/implications: This study captures the perspectives of social workers within a limited geographic area. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, it would be beneficial to extend research to a national level. Another limitation is the absence of the opinion of those directly involved. Originality/value: There is currently no research in Italy that explores the opinions of social workers on this issue, which, in general, is little studied. The findings of this research can be highly valuable for professionals and policymakers to organize services and develop intervention protocols, which are currently lacking in the areas where the study was conducted.

  • Editorial
  • Adult safeguarding observed: how social workers assess and manage risk and uncertainty
  • Exploring adult safeguarding data in England: mapping vulnerability and understanding trends

    Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore and map Safeguarding Adults England data for 2022–2023 by local authority to enable identification and exploration of any differences between local authorities. Design/methodology/approach: Colour symbology maps were produced to enable visual analysis of safeguarding concerns and Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of the population, as well as the conversion of safeguarding concerns to Section 42 enquiries. Statistical hotspots were calculated using the Getis-Ord Gi* for Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of the population across age classes. Findings: Findings show regional differences across England in terms of the number of documented concerns, Section 42’s and conversion rates. Some regions had statistically higher or lower Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of population across age classes compared to their bordering geographical neighbours. Reflections on these findings lead to a series of recommendations. Originality/value: This paper addresses a need to explore further and analyse adult safeguarding data to inform practice, through choropleth mapping.

  • Coercive control of older adults in filial relationships: a hybrid concept analysis

    Purpose: This study aims to synthesise published evidence relating to filial coercive control to generate an understanding of this under-explored concept. This paper identifies its defining characteristics and explores the circumstances under which the phenomenon manifests in the lives of older adults. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping review methodology was adopted to guide the literature review, while a concept analysis methodology guided data extraction and analysis. Drawing on Rodgers’s (1989) evolutionary concept analysis method, a co-constructed research methodology was developed for this study. Findings: The concept of filial coercive control was understood in the context of the following antecedents: ageist norms, a parental relationship (both biological and non-biological), physical proximity and the controlling characteristics and tendencies of the abusive adult child. The defining attributes included the exercise of power through control, dependency and entrapment, isolation and confinement and fear and intimidation. Using the dominant themes, models and contrary cases were constructed to illustrate the findings. Originality/value: Existing bodies of theory fail to adequately describe the phenomenon of filial coercive control adequately; as a consequence, a co-constructed concept analysis was conducted. A tentative operational definition and a conceptual model are proposed providing a starting point for future research and informing professional practice and education.

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