Legal developments since No Secrets
| Published date | 11 December 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200900027 |
| Date | 11 December 2009 |
| Pages | 43-53 |
| Author | Alison Brammer |
The Journal of Adult Protection 6OLUME)SSUEs.OVEMBER © Pier Professional Ltd 43
No Secrets clearly envisaged a role for the law, alongside other
measures, in addressing adult abuse, stating that:
‘Action might be primarily supportive or therapeutic or it might
involve the application of sanctions, suspension, regulatory
activity or criminal prosecution, disciplinary action or
de-registration from a professional body. Remember, vulnerable
adults who are victims, like any other victims, have a right to see
justice.’ (Department of Health, 2000)
This article will review developments in the law since the
introduction of No Secrets. By way of initial summary, the list
below indicates legislation passed (and/or implemented) since
the publication of No Secrets, which may impact on adult
protection.
■Care Standards 2000 (HM Government, 2000a)
■Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 (HM Government,
2000b)
■Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 (HM Government,
2000c)
■Freedom of Information Act 2000 (HM Government, 2000d)
■Sexual Offences Act 2003 (HM Government, 2003)
■Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 (HM Government,
2004a)
■Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004 (HM
Government, 2004b)
■Gender Recognition Act 2004 (HM Government, 2004c)
■Civil Partnership Act 2004 (HM Government, 2004d)
■Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (HM Government, 2005a)
■Mental Capacity Act 2005 (HM Government, 2005b)
■Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (HM Government,
2006a)
■Equality Act 2006 (HM Government, 2006b)
■Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 HM Government,
2006c)
■Mental Health Act 2007 (HM Government, 2007a)
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