Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Corporate Director: Modernisation and Wellbeing (copy attached) in respect of the annual performance around Adult Protection in compliance with Statutory Guidance.

                                                                                                           9.35 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Corporate Director: Modernising and Wellbeing relating to the annual performance around Adult Protection in compliance with Statutory Guidance, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The report provided information to enable a review of the progress over the last twelve months, and ensured that the adult protection policy requirements were part of the organisation’s overall approach to service provision and development.

The key policy document in Adult Protection for Denbighshire had been the Wales Interim Policy and Procedure for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults which had been based on the guidance issued by Welsh Government ‘In Safe Hands’.  The North Wales Forum monitored ongoing developments to ensure they had been incorporated into current practice.  ‘In Safe Hands’ highlighted the Local Authorities responsibility in taking the lead role in the process. 

The Head of Adult and Business Services summarised the contents of the report which included key issues and areas of activity pertaining to Adult Protection 2010/11, encompassing Training provided by             Denbighshire in respect of adult protection, Performance Indicators and the POVA Action Plan. Recent developments included:-

·        Consultation on the Social Services (Wales) Bill issued by Welsh Government in March 2012.

·        Examining the possibility of a joint Adult Protection Committee with Conwy .

·        A Serious Case Review carried out in relation to the case of an elderly woman murdered by her husband.

·        A Task and Finish Group currently considering options to recommend a model for the future management of adult safeguarding within Denbighshire.

·        The development of an Action Plan by the Denbighshire Adult Protection Committee.

The Appendices included in the report provided some of the key data for protection of vulnerable adult work within Denbighshire during the year.  Denbighshire received 244 referrals although many cases were ongoing and data collection was incomplete.

            Appendix 1 – provided an indication of the groups affected by abuse.

            Appendix 2 - indicated the types of abuse people being experienced.

            Appendix 3 – detailed where the abuse had occurred.

            Appendix 4 – identified the people allegedly responsible for abuse.

            Appendix 5 - indicated the status of allegations.

            Appendix 6 – showed the outcome for the alleged victim.

            Appendix 7 – indicated the outcome for the abuser.

The Head of Adult and Business Services responded to concerns raised by Councillor J.A. Davies regarding the need for the provision of a confidential care line for adults.  He explained that leaflets distributed on behalf of the North Wales Forum which contained an incorrect telephone number had, where possible, been recalled and an alternative telephone number circulated and listed on their website. Members agreed that the possibility of providing an adult care line, together with details of the respective costs involved, be investigated. 

In response to a question from Councillor J. Butterfield, the of Head of Adult and Business Services provided details of the Community Living Schemes operating in Denbighshire and agreed to look in to the possibility of Members of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee to visit a selection of the schemes currently in operation.

Councillor J.R. Bartley referred to Appendix 3 to the report and expressed concern regarding the skills of police officers in dealing with victims who have learning disabilities.   Details of the links between the Public Protection Unit and POVA were outlined, particular reference being made to the Police presence on the adult protection Committee.  Confirmation was provided that the Police Force were sensitive to issues involving vulnerable adults and to instances involving persons with learning disabilities, and that the appropriate training had been provided for officers in respect of this matter. 

The Head  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5