Hundreds of vulnerable adults in Perth and Kinross are being harmed by the people paid to look after them, according to a new report compiled for the Scottish Government.
Social workers are also introducing strategies to deal with a rise in the number of vulnerable adults being financially exploited, the paper reveals.
The number of vulnerable people harmed in the area has increased by 4.6% over the past year – from 1,204 to 1,259 – although this against a backdrop of a longer term fall.
More than half of all harm, 56%, takes place in a care home with paid carers the alleged perpetrators of the harm in more than a quarter of all cases.
The harm recorded is mostly physical, or due to neglect, although the report’s authors note a rise in the number of vulnerable people being subjected to financial harm.
The report outlines at least three occasions over the last three years where court banning orders had to be obtained to prevent relatives, and acquaintances, exploiting vulnerable adults for money.
Despite the rise in vulnerable adult reports, the number of cases taken forward for further action has fallen substantially, with the report’s authors calling for more action in this area.
SNP Councillor Beth Pover, a qualified social worker, said she had no idea of the levels until seeing the report.
“It is an atrociously high figure for vulnerable adults who are in a setting where we are paying people to keep them safe. We have to do something to reduce that figure significantly.”
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said the figures “should be setting off alarm bells”.
“The staggeringly high proportion of cases outlined in this report which occur in care homes is absolutely unacceptable and will be a shock to families who have entrusted the safety of their loved ones to them.”
Multi-agency group the Perth and Kinross Adult Protection Committee (APC) compiles a report for the Scottish Government every two years.
A spokesperson said: “The APC recognises that there is no room for complacency and any incident or allegation of harm to a vulnerable adult will be investigated on a case-by-case basis.
“The increase in reports about vulnerable people indicates that professionals and the public have a greater awareness of vulnerability and the need for support and protection.
“The report details notable progress by the APC partners to enhance the protection of vulnerable adults.”
A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said: “Where individuals are at risk of exploitation, it is vital that all agencies work well together to keep people safe, and protect their rights and choices.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said regular reporting by adult protection committees “ensures that effective processes are in place for protecting adults at risk from harm.”
