8. Actions and considerations
When dealing with vulnerable adults, the first priority is ensuring their safety and protection. Some actions against a client may be considered a criminal offence, requiring the police to be notified for their safety.
While confidentiality is important, this may not be possible if there is a risk to the client or someone else. It will depend on the level of risk and the capacity of the client to understand the decision.
An adviser’s role is not to find evidence of abuse; it is to support the vulnerable adult and log relevant information to aid in an effective formal investigation.