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Safeguarding adults with learning disabilities

A woman with blonde hair and red glasses is sitting at a desk in an office setting. She is wearing a colorful floral pattern shirt and is smiling towards the camera.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about protecting people from abuse. 

It is also about making sure people enjoy good health, develop well and take a full and active role in their community.

Adults with learning disabilities can be vulnerable in many ways.

They are more at risk of abuse.

They also may not recognise they are being abused.

Suspected abuse

If you suspect abuse you must tell the local authority.

The local authority has a legal responsibility to make enquiries and to act on this straight away, as detailed in part 7 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.

To contact the local authority you should find out the contact details for the adults safeguarding team in your area.

Try looking on your council’s website.

If you believe the person is in immediate danger, phone 999.

See the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

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