Protecting Vulnerable Groups with the Safeguarding Act 2006

high-quality living environments for residents.

The Mental Health Act 1983 sets out the processes for involuntary hospitalization and treatment of individuals, with a main emphasis on delivering high-quality mental health services. This legislation also details the rights of detained individuals, procedures for discharge, and support after detention. Its jurisdiction is limited to England and Wales. In contrast, the fully implemented Mental Capacity Act 2005, which came into effect in 2009, focuses on decision-making for adults who are unable to make choices due to learning disabilities, dementia, or mental health problems.

In April 2009, legislation was implemented to tackle multiple issues related to decision-making abilities, designating decision-makers, setting procedures for decision-making, and addressing cases where individuals unable to make decisions may be deprived of essential care. The Data Protection Act of 1998 specifically highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information in healthcare and social care settings. Unapproved divulgence or misappropriation of personal data, including addresses and medical records, can result in potential abuses and security threats like unauthorized entry into vacant residences. Furthermore, the act forbids the destruction of medical records.

To guarantee legal accessibility, the records of a deceased service user are securely kept in locked areas or password-protected computers. The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 (modified in 2005) safeguards individuals with disabilities and forbids discrimination against them. Similarly, the Race Relations Act of 1976 (modified in 2000) declares it unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of their race.

The Human Rights Act 1998 protects different aspects, including race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), and national or ethnic origin. This protection is in line with the rights provided by the European Convention on Human Rights.