23. Vulnerability factors There may be a number of factors which increase a vulnerability to abuse, neglect or person’s exploitation. A needs assessment will provide a useful insight into a situation and any person’s vulnerability factors and the support planning process is an opportunity to try and resolve these. The table below gives more information about this. Factors which increase a vulnerability to abuse and exploitation person’s Personal characteristics of a person Personal characteristics of a person at risk that can increase at risk that can decrease vulnerability may include: vulnerability may include: Not having mental capacity to make Having mental capacity to make decisions about their own safety decisions about their own safety including fluctuating mental capacity Good physical and mental health associated with mental illness and other Having no communication difficulties or conditions if so, having the right equipment/support Communication difficulties No physical dependency or if needing Physical dependency being – help, able to self-direct care dependent on others for personal care Positive former life experiences and activities of daily life Self-confidence and high self-esteem Low self esteem Experience of abuse Childhood experience of abuse. Social/situational factors that Social/situational factors that increase the risk of abuse may decrease the risk of abuse may include: include: Being cared for in a care setting, that Good family relationships is, more or less dependent on others Active social life and a circle of friends Not getting the right amount or the right Able to participate in the wider kind of care that they need community Isolation and social exclusion Good knowledge and access to the Stigma and discrimination range of community facilities Lack of access to information and Remaining independent and active
23. Vulnerability factors There may be a number of factors which increase a person’s vulnerability to abuse, neglect or exploitation. A needs assessment will provide a useful insight into a person’s situation and any vulnerability factors and the support planning process is an opportunity to try and resolve these. The table below gives more information about this. Factors which increase a person’s vulnerability to abuse and exploitation Personal characteristics of a person at risk that can increase vulnerability may include: Personal characteristics of a person at risk that can decrease vulnerability may include: Not having mental capacity to make decisions about their own safety including fluctuating mental capacity associated with mental illness and other conditions Communication difficulties Physical dependency – being dependent on others for personal care and activities of daily life Low self esteem Experience of abuse Childhood experience of abuse. Having mental capacity to make decisions about their own safety Good physical and mental health Having no communication difficulties or if so, having the right equipment/support No physical dependency or if needing help, able to self-direct care Positive former life experiences Self-confidence and high self-esteem Social/situational factors that increase the risk of abuse may include: Social/situational factors that decrease the risk of abuse may include: Being cared for in a care setting, that is, more or less dependent on others Not getting the right amount or the right kind of care that they need Isolation and social exclusion Stigma and discrimination Lack of access to information and Good family relationships Active social life and a circle of friends Able to participate in the wider community Good knowledge and access to the range of community facilities Remaining independent and active
HampshireSafeguardingAdultsBoardHSABFINALVERSIONMultiAgencySafeguardingAdultsPolicyandGuidance.docx