§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to prevent(a) financial, (b) sexual, (c) physical and (d) mental abuse against older people in home care settings. [45624]
§ Jacqui SmithStatutory guidance on the prevention of elder abuse, "No Secrets", was issued on 20 March 2000 to councils with social services responsibilities. This required the implementation of local multi-agency codes of practice by 31 October 2001.
Care providers registered with the National Care Standards Commission will be required to comply with the protection of vulnerable adults scheme from 1 August 2002.
The National Care Standards Commission will take account of National Minimum Standards for domiciliary care agencies in deciding whether agencies comply with the forthcoming Domiciliary Care Agencies Regulations. The prevention of financial, sexual, physical and mental abuse in the home care setting will be an essential part of the National Minimum Standards.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish the Protection of Vulnerable Adults consultation document. [45635]
§ Jacqui SmithWe are planning to begin a consultation exercise involving all relevant stake-holders within the next few months.