Agenda item

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 of Adult and Business Services confirmed that, by raising the general publics’ awareness to abuse, their could be a risk that high profile cases could result in referrals which could pose a challenge to the POVA team’s capacity to deal with the work in the present structure.  However, the importance of raising public awareness to abuse was emphasised and the work of the Task and Finish Group in managing referrals was highlighted.  Councillor E.A. Jones stressed the significance of ensuring that the availability of capacity would not suppress or discourage people with needs from utilising the service.

 

The following responses were provided to issues and matters raised by Members:-

 

-          Details and background information pertaining to the Case Studies outlined in the report were provided for the Committee.

-          It was explained that staff training requirements and standards for carers employed by agencies would be stipulated in the respective contracts and by the CSSIW.  The Head of Adult and Business Services outlined the position constitutionally regarding private care companies.  He confirmed that a report could be presented to the Committee outlining the training services provided by Social Services, and that clarification be sought from the Legal Department in respect of extending invitations to private care companies to attend Scrutiny Committee meetings.

-          Reference was made to the recent abuse allegations highlighted in the press, with particular reference to the Waterhouse Report.  It was explained that the investigations were currently at an early stage, however, a report in respect of this issue could be presented to the Committee at the appropriate time in future if necessary.

-          An update report on the capacity of Adult Protection services to deal with a potential increase in referrals to be presented to the Scrutiny Committee in 6 months time.

 

Following a brief discussion, it was:-

 

RESOLVED – that the Partnerships Scrutiny Committee:-

 

(a)   acknowledges the important nature of a corporate approach to the Protection                of Vulnerable Adults, the responsibility of the Council to view this as a key                            priority area, and recognises this alongside the commitment and significance given by Denbighshire to Child Protection.

(b)   recommends the possibility of providing an adult care line be investigated.

(c)   agrees that clarification be sought from the Legal Department in respect of extending invitations to private care companies to attend Scrutiny Committee meetings.

(d)   requests that the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice-Chairs Group consider the viability of making arrangements for Members of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee to visit Community Living Schemes currently operating in the County.

agrees that an update report in respect of the capacity of Adult Protection services to deal with a potential increase in referrals be presented to the Scrutiny Committee in 6 months.