1. Protecting Vulnerable People
Sandra McDonald
Public Guardian

2. Who are the Office of the Public Guardian?
Powers of attorney and guardianship
Signs of abuse
Reporting abuse / OPG investigation service

3. OPG? Based in Falkirk, national remit, 80 staff
Locus from Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
Financial focus primarily
Support Advise
Supervise
Investigate

4. Guardianship Power of Attorney Incapacity Capacity Court process
Welfare / finances
One or more guardians
Expensive
Supervision
Onerous
Central registration
Powers spelled out
Power of Attorney
Capacity
Self determination
Welfare / finances
One or more attorneys
Relatively cheap
No routine supervision
Central registration
Powers spelled out

5. Signs of Abuse
Not easy
Someone known
Relationship
Financial history
Failure to comply
Repeated excuses
Changes

6. Change in Adult’s Mood/Behaviour

7. Change in Adult’s Situation

8. Change in ‘Carer’s’ Situation

9. Change in ‘Carers’ Behaviour /Patterns of behaviour

10. Signs of Abuse
Not easy
Someone known
Relationship
Financial history
Failure to comply
Repeated excuses
Changes
Trust your gut

11. Who can assist? Health professional /Social worker Web search
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Dementia support/link worker
Various charities
Solicitor (advice & assistance legal aid)
Office of the Public Guardian

12. OPG Investigations Locus AwI / Incapable Adult Defining capacity
Investigate actions of attorney or guardian or
Finances / property appear to be at risk
Free
Confidential
Referral sheet
Referral often too late
No powers of recovery
Safeguards & protective measures

13. Who are the Office of the Public Guardian?
Powers of attorney and guardianship
Signs of abuse
Reporting abuse / OPG investigation service

14. Public Guardian@opgscotland