Independent Advocacy and Adult Support and Protection:

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 – the ASP Act – provides a structure to protect vulnerable adults who may be at risk of harm.

  • It provides powers to investigate the circumstances surrounding someone who has been harmed or is at risk of harm.
  • It places a duty on Local Authorities to carry out investigations where suspicions have been raised.
  • It places a duty on other organisations to co-operate with these investigations.
  • It provides a range of statutory orders to remedy a situation where there is a risk of harm or actual harm: Assessment Orders; Banning Orders; and Removal Orders.
  • It provides a basis for establishing local multi-disciplinary and multi-agency Adult Protection Committees across Scotland.
White-haired lady being supported by younger lady

The ASP Act defines an adult at risk as someone being aged 16 or over, and:

  • Unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests,
  • At risk of harm, and because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity,
  • More vulnerable to being harmed than adults who are not so affected.

Ceartas can support people going through the ASP System by giving them information about their rights, supporting them to communicate their wishes and concerns, and making sure they get the help they really need.

  • Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!

    Advocacy Partner

  • Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would have done without you and Ceartas. I need to stop talking as I can feel my bottom lip quivering.

    Advocacy Partner

  • It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.

    Social Worker

  • I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.

    Advocacy Partner

  • Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle!

    Advocacy Partner

  • Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.

    Advocacy Partner

  • What a good job you've done focusing and empowering me so many thanks!

    Advocacy Partner

  • After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.

    Advocacy Partner

  • It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.

    Advocacy Partner

  • There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.

    Service User

  • I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.

    Service User

  • I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.

    Advocacy Partner

  • Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.

    Advocacy Partner

  • I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.

    Advocacy Partner