Health and Community Services
June 30, 2014
Legislation Focuses on Safety of Vulnerable Adults
Newly Proclaimed Act Ensures Adults are Protected from Abuse or Neglect
The Adult Protection Act has been proclaimed and comes into effect today, June 30, 2014. The new act protects vulnerable adults in Newfoundland and Labrador from abuse or neglect.
“Our government is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Adult Protection Act is modern legislation that will ensure protection of adults who may not understand the risks associated with abuse and neglect. As a government, we will continue to ensure the safety of those in neglectful or abusive situations, who represent some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Health and Community Services
The Adult Protection Act provides legislative authority to deliver services to any adult in Newfoundland and Labrador who may be in need of protective intervention. The act:
- Provides protection for every adult who is at risk of abuse and neglect and who does not understand or appreciate that risk;
- Defines an adult in need of protective intervention as an adult who lacks capacity and is either incapable of caring for himself or herself or is abused or neglected; or an adult who refuses, delays or is unable to make provision for adequate care and attention for himself or herself;
- Applies to every adult in Newfoundland and Labrador who meets the criteria of an adult in need of protective intervention, regardless of where they live;
- Allows the Regional Health Authorities to intervene more quickly in emergency situations to reduce the risk of leaving an individual in a dangerous circumstance;
- Makes provisions for mandatory, regular reviews of the situation and services provided to an adult declared to be in need of protective intervention; and
- Requires anyone who believes an adult may be in need of protective intervention to report that information to a social worker or police officer.
“Reporting abuse and neglect leads to help. The Adult Protection Act is part of our government’s ongoing commitment to improve legislation, policies and programs that support a safe and healthy life for every resident of the province. We will continue to ensure that the necessary services and supports are in place to protect vulnerable adults in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- Minister Davis
The Adult Protection Act replaces the 41-year-old Neglected Adults Welfare Act and is a modernized legislative framework based on current best practices. The act is centred on the individual and is supportive, non-intrusive and community-based. To report a suspected case of adult abuse or neglect, call the provincial report line at 1-855-376-4957. For more information on the act, visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/Adult_Protection_Act/APA_index.html.
QUICK FACTS
- The Department of Health and Community Services proclaimed a progressive new act today, which focuses on the protection and well-being of adults who may not understand the risk associated with abuse or neglect.
- The Adult Protection Act demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to putting resources and supports in place to protect those who represent those most vulnerable sectors of our population.
- The new legislation aligns with the objectives of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, the Long-Term Care and Community Support Services Strategy, as well as the Violence Prevention Initiative.
- Reports with respect to the Adult Protection Act, can be made to the provincial report line at 1-855-376-4957.
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Media contact:
| Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
2014 06 30 1:50 p.m.