Information for the Public
Welcome to the Surrey Safeguarding Adults’ Board web pages, we believe that everybody has the right to live safely in their home and in their community.
Most people in Surrey live safely, free from abuse and neglect. However, some people have care and support needs that makes it difficult for them to protect themselves from abuse and neglect. In these circumstances, if they are experiencing, or are at risk of abuse and neglect, then they may need help from others to keep themselves safe.
The Care Act sets out the circumstances when safeguarding duties apply. The Care Act says safeguarding applies to adults who
- have needs for care and support,
- is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect and
- as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
Adults at risk may be people who:
- Are frail due to age, ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment, or a combination of these
- Have a learning disability
- Have a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
- Have mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
- Have a long-term illness/condition
- Are users of substances or alcohol
- Are unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support