The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 defines an “adult at risk of
abuse and or neglect” as an adult who:
• Is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect;
• Has a need for Care & Support (whether or not the Local Authority is meeting
any of those needs). NB: Care and Support is not clearly defined in the Act,
and;
• As a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the
abuse or neglect or the risk thereof.
The inclusion of ‘at risk’ within the new Welsh Government definition enables early intervention to protect an adult at risk and prevent escalation. The decision to act does not require actual abuse or neglect to have taken place. The aim is to protect people who need it and to help them prevent abuse or neglect happening.