Adult protection: keeping people safe
If you think an adult is being harmed, neglected or at risk to themselves or others, please tell us. You might be the only person who can help. Some adults cannot report harm themselves, so your call could support and protect them from further risk of harm.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
If the situation is not an emergency, you can contact your local social work office or call the police on 101.
When to report harm
You should get in touch if you notice that an adult is:
- being hurt, threatened or controlled
- being taken advantage of financially or materially
- not receiving the care they need
- living in unsafe or worrying conditions
- acting in a way that makes you think they are at risk
You do not need to be certain something is wrong. If something does not feel right, it is better to speak to someone.
What happens when you report a concern
When you tell us about a concern, we will:
- listen to what you share
- ask a few questions to understand what is happening
- speak to the person at risk, if needed
- work with them to keep them safe
We will treat your information with respect. You can report harm even if you wish to remain anonymous.
Who we help
Adult protection applies to anyone aged 16 or over who may be at risk of harm because of illness, disability, mental disorder, or physical or mental infirmity. Our aim is always to support the person and help them stay safe in a way that works for them.
Find out more
For more details about adult support and protection in South Lanarkshire, including how local services work together to keep people safe, visit the Adult Protection Committee website.
You can download a copy of the Adult Protection Committee Biennial Report 2022-2024 and the South Lanarkshire Public Protection Strategy 2025-2028.