Adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland: prevention, protection, partnership
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-03-2017-0011 |
| Date | 14 August 2017 |
| Published date | 14 August 2017 |
| Pages | 199-208 |
| Author | Lorna Montgomery,Joyce McKee |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection,Safeguarding,Sociology,Sociology of the family,Abuse |
Adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland:
prevention, protection, partnership
Lorna Montgomery and Joyce McKee
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to outline and critique the current model of adult safeguarding in
Northern Ireland (NI).
Design/methodology/approach –The paper offers a critical analysis of adult safeguarding, legislation,
policy and practice. Insights are offered from the Regional Adult Safeguarding Officer for NI, and available
research evidence is cited.
Findings –Distinct features of Northern Irish society have shaped its adult safeguarding policy and practice
in ways which differ from those in England, Scotland and Wales. The strengths and limitations of the legal and
policy framework, and practice systems are discussed.
Research limitations/implications –The paper offers the viewpoint of the authors, which may not be
representative.
Practical implications –The potential advantages and challenges of the Northern Irish safeguarding
systems are presented, and potential future developments are highlighted.
Social implications –Changes have been highlighted in the way adult safeguarding has been
conceptualised. An emphasis on prevention and early intervention activities, with a key role envisaged for
community, voluntary and faith sector organisations, have been noted.
Originality/value –This paper provides an accessible overview of adult safeguarding in NI, which to date
has been lacking from the literature.
Keywords Northern Ireland, Adult safeguarding, Policy implications, Adult abuse, Models, Social work
Paper type General review
Introduction
Over the last 20 years Northern Ireland (NI) has seen considerable changes in the way adult
safeguarding has been conceptualised. The current model of adult safeguarding involves a
framework of generic legislation and specific policiesand partnerships, utilised byprofessionals in
the health, socialcare and criminal justice sectors.NI has arguably moved away from a somewhat
paternalistic approach to a person-centred, righ ts-based, and empowering approach,
encouraging consent-driven practice and promoting partnership with the wider public.
This paper offers a critique of adult safeguarding in NI and is based upon practical experience
rather than theoretical study. An “insiders”perspective is given. Both authors have long-term
practice experience as social workers in the adult sector, with one author ( JM), currently in the
role of Regional Adult Safeguarding Officer for NI, with overarching strategic responsibility for
adult safeguarding practice.
The development of safeguarding practices has not occurred in a vacuum, but through the
influences of historical, political, cultural, and organisational factors. Thus, this paper will begin by
highlighting particular socio-cultural characteristics of Northern Irish society. The legislative and
policy base for practice will then be introduced, along with organisational structures and an
overview of safeguarding referrals. In reflecting on the strengths and limitations of safeguarding,
consideration will be given to the influence of a relatively close knit network of professionals
and to the current legislative and policy base. Future developments in adult safeguarding will
be discussed.
Received 10 March 2017
Revised 10 May 2017
18 May 2017
Accepted 19 May 2017
Lorna Montgomery is based at
the Queen’s University Belfast,
Belfast, UK.
Joyce McKee is based at
Health and Social Care Board,
Belfast, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JAP-03-2017-0011 VOL. 19 NO. 4 2017, pp. 199-208, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
PAG E 19 9
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