MODULE TITLE: SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTING VULNERABLE ADULTS.
MODULE CODE: NS40018/W
ESSAY TITLE: SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES WHO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
The aim of this essay is primarily to identify and discuss the reasons for and factors contributing to the vulnerability of adults with learning disabilities who come in contact with the criminal justice system.
This essay will offer the rational for selecting this particular group and critically discuss their vulnerability. This essay will also discuss the factors that relate to their vulnerability as well as the impact this has on their overall health and wellbeing. This will be followed by discussions of the support available from the multi-disciplinary/multi-agency teams with specific emphasis on the role of the social worker, relating these to relevant safeguarding policies and legislation. The essay will conclude by summarising the key issues discussed within the content. There generally appears to be a lack of consensus between theorists and academics as to what constitutes ‘Vulnerability’. The Chamber’s Dictionary (1990) cited by Hoff master (2006) defines Vulnerability as the “Individual’s propensity to experience harm”. “Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or injured”; “open to successful attack or “Capable of being persuaded or tempted”. (Kottow, M 2002) on the other hand, makes a distinction between ‘Vulnerability’, as the “universal human condition of being intact but fragile”, and ‘Susceptibility’, “the condition of being biologically weak or diseased with an increased predisposition towards additional harm”. He goes on to say that “vulnerability falls under the principle of justice, which affords equal protection to all members of society”. (Kottow, M. 2002). (Rogers, A.1997) definition appears to be more relevant to Social workers as she states that “to determine vulnerability, nurses have to look to