voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Fife Adult Support and Protection - July 2017 Newsletter
Created: 02/08/2017, Updated: 07/08/2017ADVOCACY AND ADULT PROTECTION
Need help to speak out?
Fife Adult Support & Protection Team and Circles Advocacy are promoting a new Easy Read booklet which explains how an advocate can work with individuals in the Adult Protection process.
Advocacy supports people to speak up about things that are important to them. Circles Advocacy are an independent organisation, and have supported many people at Adult Protection meetings. The new booklet received invaluable input from service user groups from SAMH, IncludeMe and People First, who advised on the accessibility and clarity of the information. It will be used to ensure the individual understands the adult protection process and what support they can have to help them have their voice heard.
If you would like support or advice from Circles you can call them on: 01592 645360 or email: [email protected] All Adult Support & Protection information is available in Easy Read format and is downloadable from: www.fifedirect.org.uk/adultprotectioneasyread.
NEW ‘REVENGE PORN’ LAW IN SCOTLAND
People convicted of sharing intimate images without consent could face up to five years in prison under new legislation which has come into force.
The Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act now makes it easier to prosecute so-called revenge porn and makes it an offence to "disclose, or threaten to disclose, an intimate photograph or film" without consent. If this has happened to you, call the Police on 101.
NEW OFFENCES OF ILL TREATMENT AND WILLFUL NEGLECT
The Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc. and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016 includes offences of ill-treatment or willful neglect which will come into force in October 2017. There are two main offences in this part: an offence that applies to care workers, and an offence that applies to care providers.
The new offences recognise the particular vulnerabilities of those receiving health and social care as well as the level of trust placed in those providing that care. The Act provides penalties proportionate with the breach of trust in such crimes.
Section 29 of the Act amends the Police Act 1997 to insert the care worker offence. It contains a list of offences which must always be disclosed on all types of higher level disclosure, no matter how old the conviction is.
TAKE A STAND AGAINST SCAMS (Scams Awareness Month July 17)
Fife Trading Standards website Consumer Advice pages give advice on scams, e-crime, and junk mail. The 'Know Your New Rights' section of the Citizens Advice website gives further consumer advice. You can also follow #scamaware and get further information on Scams Awareness Month at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sam17
For advice on scams call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 03454 04 05 06. To report scams contact Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040.
Remember if you’re not sure, get advice and always report a scam www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
SAFE AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
If your organisation has a group who would like to be involved in the creation of new Easy Read information on ‘Safe and Healthy Relationships’, Engagement & Participation Coordinator Shona McEwan is keen to hear your ideas and opinions. For more info email: [email protected] or call 03451 55 55 55 ext 442134.
RESOURCES FOR STAFF
If you are concerned about someone who is at risk of harm or neglect, visit: www.fifedirect.org.uk/reportingharm to access:
• The Adult Protection Reporting Harm Protocol and complete the Inter-agency Report of Harm Referral Form;
• Details of all training courses and how to access the e-learning module;
• The Adult Protection Competency Framework which helps staff consider their learning and development needs.