The Care Act 2014
(introduced in April 2015)
• The Care Act 2014 is the most significant piece of legislation in adult safeguarding. It
replaces all previous adult protection guidance.
• The Care Act sets out a clear legal framework as to how Local Authorities (LA's) and
other partner agencies should protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. These
arrangements are overseen by the LA .
• The Care Act introduced the term "Adult at risk" to help us to move away from the term
"vulnerable adult" which may be seen as negative and stigmatising.
• A key part of the Care Act is a focus on preventing or delaying the need for support. This
might mean investing in preventative services and fully utilising any existing community
resources, facilities and assets to prevent people's needs escalating unnecessarily.
• The Act aims to put people at the centre of their care and support and maximise their
involvement.