Information for Adults

Adults at Risk – What You Need to Know

Who is an Adult at Risk?

An Adult at Risk is anyone aged 18 or over who has care and support needs, whether or not those needs are being met by the local authority.

Important: Being described as “at risk” does not mean the person lacks capacity or cannot make decisions about their life. It simply means they may be more vulnerable to abuse or exploitation and could find it harder to protect themselves if harm occurs.

Local Authority Responsibilities

If a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult in its area is at risk of abuse or neglect, it has a legal duty to carry out safeguarding enquiries.

Examples of Adults at Risk

Adults at risk may include people who are:

Living with dementia
Experiencing physical disabilities
Living with a learning disability
Managing mental health issues
Struggling with addictions
Homeless
Experiencing frailty

Who Might Cause Harm?

The perpetrator could be:

A family member or partner
A friend or neighbour
A professional or carer (formal or informal)
Another adult at risk
A stranger
A group of people

Where Can Abuse Happen?

Abuse can occur anywhere, including:

The person’s own home or someone else’s home
Public places or public transport
Streets, colleges, day care centres
Residential homes and hospitals
Online, including via social media

Legislation and Guidance

Making Safeguarding Personal

This approach puts the person at the centre of safeguarding. It recognises that adults have the right to:

Independence, choice, and self-determination
Control over information about themselves
Make decisions about how they live and manage their safety

Adults should be supported with information and guidance that empowers them to make their own choices.