Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Safeguarding vulnerable adults requires a balance between the need to protect an individual, and taking note of the importance to them of their wider social environment and identity. Drawing on social exclusion theory, this book explores the role of mental capacity legislation in achieving this balance.

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Research shows that social integration and belonging within family and society, linked to a strong social identity and self-efficacy, are essential for health and wellbeing. Safeguarding vulnerable people in a way that respects their full potential requires a balance between the need to protect an individual, and taking note of the importance of their wider social environment. Drawing on a combination of social exclusion theory concerning adults with disability and older adults, social identity and belonging, this book critically explores and questions the role and interpretation of legislation about mental capacity in achieving this balance.






The first part introduces the UK‘s Mental Capacity Act 2005 and outlines relevant theory around safeguarding, social inclusion, self-determination and wellbeing. It then sets UK policy in a global context, looking at countries such as Japan, the US, South Africa, Canada and Finland.






The second and third parts include six chapters, each beginning with a vignette which will be the focus of the analysis and discussion in the chapter. These case studies, looking at people with learning disabilities and older people, illustrate the complexities and issues that can be experienced when safeguarding vulnerable adults. Each chapter addresses key themes around mental capacity and considers the significance of the analysis for practice

The final part pulls together the case studies and looks at applying implications for practice. It does this in the context of national and international social policy and theory.

A theoretically informed empirical exploration of key issues involved in safeguarding vulnerable adults, this book is an important read for health and social care professionals, students and academics. It will also be useful to those researching social policy, social justice, social exclusion and inclusion, and the sociology of health and wellbeing.