Adult Protection legislation
Currently, the processes and systems to protect older people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are only based on guidance. In Scotland a new Act has been created called the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

In some situations, this means that - outside of Scotland -statutory authorities prioritise other activities that are required by law, thus placing adult protection in a difficult and lesser position. This has been clearly articulated to the Government by both Action on Elder Abuse and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Giving activities a legislative footing often results in appropriate funding and staffing levels and this is crucial for all of us.

This campaign seeks to achieve a new Act of Parliament that gives such protection the same status as that afforded to children. If we can produce legislation to protect animals and promote their welfare, (the Animal Cruelty Act) can we not do the same thing for our older people?