Family Law

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has made public its policy on the manner in which it safeguards adults who are vulnerable or at risk of neglect or abuse.

The policy’s final version, released yesterday (2 December 2015), provides key information regarding the definition of ‘abuse’ and the various forms it may take, how to recognise signs of when a person is undergoing any type of abuse and how to go about reporting it, and what the OPG does in order to protect adults at risk and support them. Any amendment to national law or policy will see the policy reviewed and revised where necessary.

Formed in 2007 under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the OPG’s main purpose is to safeguard adults who are at risk of neglect or abuse. It aids vulnerable people in making plans so that delicate subjects such as welfare, health and financial matters are dealt with and formalised in advance should they lose the mental capacity to do so themselves. It also acts as protection for those who lack mental capacity to make certain decisions, ensuring that anything undertaken on their behalf is done so with their best interests as a priority.

The full version of the safeguarding policy is available to view and download here.