Archive - Thursday, 7 March 2002


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Forum pledge for vulnerable

THE VALE'S most vulnerable adults are set to benefit from a brand-new Council initiative.

The local authority has launched a comprehensive set of policies and procedures aimed at safeguarding the most needy.

The guidelines, which have been developed through a multi-agency forum drawn from across South Wales, follows the launch by the National Assembly of Wales of "In Safe Hands," setting out a framework for the prevention, investigation and management of cases of alleged abuse across the country.

Guidance has been further developed by the forum - representing the Police, Health Authorities and Trusts, seven social services departments, the Crown Prosecution Service and Probation Service - working in consultation with voluntary and independent sectors.

Cabinet Member (Social Services) Cllr Clive Williams, who hosted the launch of the Vale Council initiative at Barry Memorial Hall, said: "We are delighted to have been able to build on this guidance and, indeed, put it into practice. It sets a standard for the collaborative approach essential in safeguarding vulnerable people and in the investigation of alleged incidents of abuse.

"These policies and procedures represent the Council's commitment to ensuring the appropriate balance between personal independence and the needs to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults."

The work of the forum has been praised by Welsh Minister for Health and Social Care Jane Hutt.

She said: "The protection of vulnerable people is a key theme which needs to be embedded in all of the activities of caring and law enforcement.

"These policies and procedures are about making a reality of these good practices so that the vulnerable members of our society are better protected.

"I congratulate you on this excellent example of bringing together so many agencies and sectors to develop and commit this important piece of work."

Other initiatives currently underway to better protect vulnerable people from abuse or exploitation include the establishment of The Care Standards Inspectorate (CSIW) which will begin its inspection role in April.

CSIW has already been developing improved standards for the physical environment and quality of care in care homes and they will be widening the remit to include home care.