Adult Protection
On this page
Information for Adult Protection (AP, or Adult Support and Protection ASP) professionals. These include nominated or Council officers; chairs of AP case conferences or Large Scale Investigations (LSIs) or their managers.
Members of the public are recommended to go to the Adult support and protection section instead for information.
The 3 Point Test
If you think you know someone who is being harmed, or at risk of being harmed, you must create an ASP Referral.
An Adult at Risk is defined by the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 via "The 3 Point Test" is someone who:
- is an adult aged 16 or over who is unable to protect themselves from someone harming them, or from exploitation and neglect, or to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests
- and is at risk of harm
- and because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, is more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.
All three of the above criteria must be met.
Local and national policies and procedures exist which apply whenever abuse is suspected, or has occurred, and where specific action is required by statutory agencies to ensure the protection of the person.
If you're unsure of the support you need, or unsure how to support someone else, please reach out.
Important: Reporting adult protection concerns - for professionals and partner agencies
If you are a health or social care worker, a professional or a member of a partner agency you should report adult concerns to the appropriate Adult Social Care team:
- Report the concern using this Highland Adult Concern Referral Form (docx format, August 2023) - there is an alternative form in pdf format if this is easier to use
- Submit the form to the appropriate SPOA team listed below and call with any questions or to follow up.
If someone is in imminent danger a call to the emergency services may be required.
SPOA contacts and availability
Emergencies outside of office hours
For social work emergencies between 5pm and 9am only please contact the Emergency Social Work Service:
- phone 0808 175 3646
- email esws@highland.gov.uk
They provide a limited service for urgent issues only (not for routine enquiries) - overnight, at weekends or on public holidays.
Enquiries during office hours
SPOA teams in each district are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (except Sutherland, where the team is available between 8am and 4pm). See the geographical boundary of each district in the map below.
Useful links
Adult Protection
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Adult Protection
Information for Adult Protection (AP, or Adult Support and Protection ASP) professionals. These include nominated or ...
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Highland Adult Protection Committee
Information and news about the Highland Adult Protection Committee and the work it does.
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Local ASP procedures
Adult support and protection enquiries and investigations are undertaken by NHS Highland Adult Social Care Profession...
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News, reports and audits
News, audit reports, national and other Area review and Investigation reports - for Adult Protection Professionals.
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Protection topics
Criminal Exploitation, FGM, Financial Harm, Forced Marriage, Hoarding, Missing Persons, Modern Slavery, PREVENT, SARC...
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Tools, links, legislation and national guidance
Helpful links, tools, templates, legislation and national guidance pertaining to adult protection.
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ASP training
Highland Adult Support and Protection (ASP) trainer-led events and e-modules are accessed via the Turas Learn system.