The main purpose of serious case reviews is not to put blame on anyone but to learn from past mistakes and move forward when Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. It can also be used to review how well the procedures are working and how it can be further developed in the future. Case reviews are used to improve procedures within agency and to improve working in partnership with multipul agencies. working together with other agencies with case reviews can help with making recommendations going forward in regards to protection of Vulnerable Adults and its procedures.
Adult abuse happens all the time around the world and consists off : A single or repeated act. It may be Physical, Emotional or psychological. It could be Neglect or not acting upon neglect when witnessed. Financial/ Sexual abuse can also occur when the Vulnerable Adult doesnt consent or understand whats happening.
There have been Several high cases of abuse in recent years, resulting in serious case reviews which have influenced quality assurance,regulation and inspection relating to safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. For Example
Winterbourne View Scandal- There was 12 support workers/ nurses convicted of Abuse towards Vulnerable Adults in there own private setting. There were many times where this could have been stopped due to whistleblowers and former nurses reporting the abuse but nothing come off it until someone complained to the BBC and an undercover reporter started working there and recorded everything that happened. As a result this hospital got shut down and the company reviewed there policies and alos looked to other hospitals within the company to see if this abuse was happening.
Murder of Victoria Climbié- An 8 year old girl was tortured and murdered in 2000 by her guardians. The police, social services,NHS and NSPCC had contact with Victoria all noticed signs of Abuse but did not act upon them. Climbies death was largely responsible for the formation of Every Child Matters initiative; the introduction of the Children Act 2004; the creation of contactpoint project and the creation of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner chaired by the childrens Commissioner for England.