What is the difference between child protection and adult protection?

Although children and adults at risk can experience the same types of harm and the causes are often similar, the main difference between child protection and adult protection hinges on the right to make choices.

We all have rights to make choices and live our lives the way we want to. Sometimes we may consider that others make bad choices that put themselves and others in harmful situations. People have the right to make such choices.

But where a child is at risk of harm or has been seriously harmed, it is likely that action would be taken by social work or the police to protect them, whether or not the parent/carer or child agrees.

Sometimes adults at risk do not want social work or the police to act to protect them from harm. Acting to protect them against their wishes is a dilemma. Although the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act, 2007 gives legal measures to protect adults at risk, the rights of the person need to be considered.

There is a need to strike a balance between the "need to protect" and the rights of the adult. If in any doubt, contact the Safeguarding Service for advice.