Study of staff who have been alleged perpetrators in adult protection cases
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-05-2013-0021 |
| Pages | 120-128 |
| Published date | 08 April 2014 |
| Date | 08 April 2014 |
| Author | Mel Walford,Andy Kaye,Mick Collins |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Vulnerable groups,Adult protection |
Study of staff who have been alleged
perpetrators in adult protection cases
Mel Walford, Andy Kaye and Mick Collins
Mel Walford is a Independent
Trainer and Consultant, based
at Wye Training Ltd., Neath,
UK.
Andy Kaye is a Adult Protection
Coordinator, based at Social
Services Department, Powys
County Council, Powys, UK.
Mick Collins is a Senior
Manager, based at Adult
Services Department, Powys
County Council, Powys, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – The protection of vulnerable adults from abuse is paramount for those working in adult
protection. However, staff supporting vulnerable adults who are alleged to have abused them can feel very
vulnerable and their needs must also be taken into account. The purpose of this paper is to consider the
impact of adult protection investigations from the experiences of people who have been identified as alleged
perpetrators in adult protection cases in order to identify improvements in practice.
Design/methodology/approach – This limited study used qualitative semi-structured interviews to collect
data that reflected views of the issues and experiences of participants.
Findings – This study shows that expectations set out in the Wales Interim Policy and Procedures
document under “support for alleged perpetrators”do not match with the experience of those who took part
in this study. The experience of some alleged perpetrators is that the investigation process can be
protracted, they may be left isolated with little or no information and feel very vulnerable.
Research limitations/implications – A limitation of this study was the small number of participants who
were interviewed and the selection and bias. Participation was on a voluntary basis and the participants
were self-selecting. The participants were all paid staff. Vulnerable adults who had been identified as alleged
abusers were excluded from the study on the premise that their experiences were likely to be quite different.
Practical implications – It is vital that alleged perpetrators are not themselves abused by the process. The
findings from this study should be used to develop recommendations to improve practice.
Originality/value – The effects on staff who have been investigated as alleged abusers under adult
protection policy and procedures has been under-researched. This study will make a contribution to
addressing this.
Keywords Older people, Safeguarding
Paper type Research paper
Background
An independent trainer who had provided many years of Adult Protection awareness training in
Wales became increasingly aware that some alleged perpetrators felt aggrieved about their
treatment during adult protection investigations. The area Adult Protection Committee agreed
to fund a small study to look at alleged perpetrators’ experiences in the light of the standards set
out in the policy and procedures that should be met.
The “Wales Interim Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse
(2010)” section 10.3 Responsibilities to Alleged Perpetrators states that “alleged perpetrators,
whether relatives, carers, staff, volunteers or other vulnerable adults, should be treated fairlyand
honestly and if appropriate and possible, they should be provided with support throughout the
adult protection process, as should others involved”.
The policy and procedures document states that those alleged to have abused or neglected
a vulnerable adult should be made aware of and helped to understand the concerns which have
been identified at an appropriate point in the process, as agreed at the Strategy Meeting. It also
identifies that where there is a danger to the wellbeing of the alleged perpetrator, for example,
PAGE 120
j
THE JOURNAL OF ADULT PROTECTION
j
VOL. 16 NO. 2 2014, pp. 120-128, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1466-8203 DOI 10.1108/JAP-05-2013-0021
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