Adult exploitation
Published:
This resource provides an introduction to the exploitation of adults, particularly those who experience multiple needs and exclusions. It aims to support readers across social care specialisms as we work together to formulate effective service responses.
Although not foregrounded in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance, exploitation is increasingly recognised both in practice and strategic social care contexts. Exploitation is complex and the context is continually developing. Care and support services often grapple with the issues in real time. It is often beyond the scope of any one service to identify and respond to individuals affected by exploitation.
Safeguarding adult reviews have highlighted the need for whole system change to address exploitation. Local authority duties to prevent, delay, or reduce needs, particularly in relation to safeguarding, may provide opportunities for proactive work in this area. Responding to exploitation involves raising awareness, preventing harm, disrupting perpetrators, and providing support to those experiencing or recovering from exploitation.
Effective responses require careful attention to the complexities in this continually developing area of practice.
The resources
Providing an introduction to the exploitation of adults, particularly those who experience multiple needs and exclusions. Learning resources are grouped into three areas and aim to support readers across social care specialisms as we work together to formulate effective service responses. Reflective questions for each key area encourage readers to stimulate conversation and to consider opportunities to strengthen their own practice responses.
Understanding the exploitation of adults
Intersectional experiences around exploitation
Responding to the exploitation of adults
This resource is an update of the 2019 briefing by Katherine Hodges. Further topic related resources from Research in Practice are available below within Related Content.
Continue the conversation
As part of our ongoing work, we are keen to hear from services developing innovative responses to adult exploitation. Get in touch if you would like to be involved.
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Safeguarding | Assuring good social work practice and development | Promoting and supporting critical analysis and decision-making
CQC - Responsive | Safe
RCOT - Health and safety
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