Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: code of practice

The purpose of the refresh is to ensure adult support and protection guidance takes account of policy and practice developments since the Act was introduced in

2007, and thus bring the guidance up to date with current legislation and relevant changes in policy and legislation.


Annex B: Glossary

Introduction

This glossary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be prescriptive. Full statutory definitions of many of the terms are contained in Section 53 of the Act, and it is those that should be used in any process or situation where precise definition is required.

Adjacent place - A place near or next to any place where an adult at risk may be, such as a garage, outbuilding etc.

Adult - An individual aged 16 years or over

Adult at risk - Refer to Chapter 2 for the full definition

Adult Protection Committee - A committee established by a council to safeguard adults at risk in its area.

Advance Statement - A statement made under the provisions of Section 275 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, setting out how a person would, or would not, wish to be treated should they subsequently require care under that Act.

Assessment Order - Order granted by a sheriff to help the council decide whether the person is an adult at risk and, if so, whether it needs to do anything to protect the person from harm.

Banning / Temporary Banning order - Order granted by a sheriff to ban a person from being in a specified place or area. The order may have specified conditions attached.

Health Professional - In terms of the Act, this refers to a doctor, nurse, midwife or any other type of individual prescribed by Scottish Ministers.

Inquiry - An inquiry is any process that has the aim of gathering knowledge and information. This could include inquiries of any relevant party and the cooperation of the public bodies and office holders under Section 5 of the Act. The purpose of making inquiries is to ascertain whether adults are at risk of harm, and whether the council may need to intervene, provide support, or any other assistance to the adult or any carer.

Investigation - That part of an inquiry which requires the involvement of a council officer.

Primary Carer - The individual who provides all or most of the care and support for the person concerned. This could be a relative or friend, but does not include any person paid to care for the person.

Proxy A continuing or welfare attorney, or a guardian under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

Contact

Email: Heather.Gibson@gov.scot

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