Who to refer

  • An ‘adult at risk’ is defined in the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 as a person aged 16 or over who:
    • Is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights, or other interests.
    • Is at risk of harm.
    • Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.
  • All NHS staff have a legal duty to refer an adult who they know or believe to meet these criteria to the council for the area in which the person is considered to be located.

Who not to refer

  • Even in doubt, a referral should be made. Contact NHS Tayside Adult Protection Team on 01735 562471 for advice and guidance.

How to refer

  • NHS Tayside’s Adult Protection Team provides evidence-based advice and support around if/when/how to make an adult protection referral and the role of NHS staff in helping someone protect their welfare.
  • Contact the Adult Protection Advice line on 01735 562471 to access guidance around anything related to safeguarding adults including adult protection referrals.

 

Specialty description

Adult Protection refers to the processes involved in protecting adults who are unable to safeguard their own interests and are at risk of harm because they are affected by: disability; mental disorder; illness; physical or mental infirmity. Harm refers to all harm including self-harm and neglect.

Lead/owner

Susan Torrance, Senior Nurse Adult Protection (susan.torrance@nhs.scot).

 

Useful resources

Editorial Information

Next review date: 26/09/2026