Over recent years there has been a growing realisation that it is not only children who are abused, but also 'vulnerable adults'; in other words those with physical, learning or sensory disabilities, dementia or mental health problems.

Within both professional and societal spheres, parallels have been drawn between the way child abuse in the UK was eventually uncovered and confronted, and the history of the abuse of vulnerable adults. The hallmark of denial, coupled with an under-estimation of the suffering of those who have been abused has, unfortunately, been repeated.

The Bible is very clear that people of faith should act justly and mercifully towards everyone; the alien (i.e. refugees and asylum seekers- Leviticus 19 v 33)i, orphans and widows (James 1 v 27)i. Jesus displayed copious amounts of care and compassion towards those who were ill or disabled (e.g. John 5 v 1-9)i. If these principles are being worked out in the life of a church, it should be a safe place for all, including vulnerable adults.

The government signalled its commitment to providing greater protection from abuse for vulnerable adults with the publication of 'No Secrets: Guidance on Developing and Implementing Multi-agency Policies and Procedures to Protect Vulnerable Adults from Abuse' (2000) DoH. 'No Secrets' outlines a national framework that requires local authority Social Services departments to act as lead agencies in the development of local multi-agency codes of practice. It is unlikely that recent increases in reported cases of abuse against vulnerable adults reflect a rise in the incidences but rather changing attitudes and an increased awareness of the issues. An example of this is Surrey County Council where there was a doubling of reported cases of abuse on vulnerable adults in a twelve months periodii.

Historically, Christian philanthropists have been some of the most significant pioneers of social care and reform; Lord Shaftesbury, George Muller and Dr Barnardo, to name but a few. It follows therefore that today's church continues this work as well as offering spiritual care and nourishment. Churches provide luncheon clubs, visiting the sick, transport to appointments and other direct services to adults who by definition are vulnerable. Over the past decade many churches, having developed child protection policies, are now addressing the same issues when working with vulnerable adults.

'No Secrets' defines a vulnerable adult as someone 'Who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness, and who is or may be unable to take care of himself or herself, or unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation.'

Within any church congregation there are probably a number of people who would be considered vulnerable. It is important to recognise that there is a difference between being vulnerable and being at risk and we should not assume that all vulnerable people are at risk. The government issued guidance on abuse of trust in 1999. This document stated that the definition of a vulnerable adult cannot be based on age or disability. For example, there is not one age at which elderly people should be categorized as vulnerable, and many would rightly resent such an allusion. Similarly, those with physical or other disabilities should not be categorized in this way. Also some people experience periods of vulnerability, for example in the case of nervous breakdown or bereavement, but it is important this is also recognised, so that a church responds appropriately to protect anyone in a vulnerable state whatever their circumstance, situation or disability.

For any church wanting to make an educated assessment of a given situation, they should bear in mind the following;

• the circumstances and vulnerability of the individual
• the nature and extent of any alleged abuse (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect)
• the length of time it has been occurring
• the impact on the individual
• the risk of repeated or increasingly serious acts, the harm that could result if no action is taken, and the illegality of the act(s)

Many churches and organisations are moving in the right direction and recognise the need to have a vulnerable adults policy to protect those in their care. The guiding principles for any policy and procedure should be a sound biblical perspective. This means that vulnerable adults have a right to:

• be treated with dignity and respect
• privacy (to be free from unwanted intrusion into their lives or their affairs)
• lead an independent life, that mayinclude a degree of risk
• be able to choose how to lead their life.

Vulnerable adults need to be protected from exploitation and abuse; physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect, and acts of omission. Vulnerable adults can also suffer from financial or material abuse and, within the church context, spiritual abuse. They can also be subject to discrimination including racism, sexism and other forms of harassment.

The exploitation and abuse of vulnerable adults is about the misuse of power, control and authority. Abuse and exploitation can take place in a variety of settings, in a person's home (domestic violence should be included), in a day centre or day care/community setting, in residential care, and in public places such as a church. In a church where individual leaders are also granted a substantial amount of authority, the need for transparency and accountability is even more important because of the minority of individuals who may abuse the trust they have been given.

Where a vulnerable adult has a close relationship with the person abusing them, they may be deterred from saying anything or taking any action out of a sense of loyalty, respect of the position the person holds, or fear of repercussions.

The church is unique in that because it opens its doors to all, it is likely to be giving pastoral support and care to many vulnerable groups such as the frail and elderly, those with a mental disorder, including dementia, mental illness or personality disorder, those with a physical or sensory disability, a learning disability, severe physical illness, those who misuse substances, and the homeless.

In order to reduce the risk of abuse to vulnerable adults, churches should consider the following:

• Make church welcoming, so that vulnerable people feel involved and can engage with regular worship and other activities. One way to help achieve this is to ensure, as far as possible, that the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (which came into full force in October 2004) are being met; for example the accessibility of toilet facilities, car park spaces and entrance(s) into the building. It may be that an audit of facilities such as lighting, acoustics and the hearing loop is needed.
• Have a 'vulnerable adults' policy and procedures that includes a response to domestic violence.
• Appoint a vulnerable adults co-ordinator who will be responsible for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, and have a formal vulnerable adults protection statement displayed in a public place in the church.
• Initiate constructive links with Social Services who have lead responsibility for the protection of vulnerable adults in the community.
• Ensure that vulnerable adults are not treated in an infantile way. All adults should be treated with dignity and respect and in ways appropriate to their age, understanding and their specific needs.
• Draw up guidelines for the recruitment of those working with vulnerable adults, including undertaking an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check where appropriate.
• Give those working with vulnerable adults clear roles and job descriptions and provide supervision.
• Follow Abuse of Trust guidance issued by the Home Office.

CCPAS receives regular calls from churches requesting a vulnerable adults policy. This can be because they are working with older people in counselling centres, with the homeless or because a policy is needed as part of funding requirement. A church or organisation that has adopted a vulnerable adults policy gives a clear indication that they are taking the abuse of vulnerable adults seriously and CCPAS is developing policies and procedures to help with this process. A model Vulnerable Adults Policy will be sent to all CCPAS members in the October Update, but if meanwhile you would like further information and/or advice please contact us.

In the next edition of Caring, we will be continuing to look at the issues surrounding vulnerable adults and abuse of trust.

i All biblical references taken from the New International Readers Version (c) International Bible Society, Hodder and Stoughton.

ii Statistics from Community Care magazine 16 - 20th June 2005

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