Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 62

Vulnerable Persons

Themes in Intervention
Prevention: We know that we will have more chance of helping vulnerable
persons if we identify their problems swiftly and intervene early to support
those who can care for the person. We want our services to be skilled at
identifying the problems of vulnerable persons as they emerge, and before
they pose harm. And we expect them to work together with their families,
where possible, to tackle problems.
Protection: For some vulnerable persons, we cannot prevent problems
escalating and presenting much greater risks to their well being. Taking swift,
decisive action will be important to prevent significant and lasting damage
especially if the vulnerable person is someone with a disability. It will also
maximize our chances of restoring the confidence and dignity of the person.

Strategy and System
The approach in intervention is to provide support at the point of the carer’s
inability to cope or better still, at the point when the ability is beginning to
break down. The aim is to structure a system for surveillance so that it can
trigger escalation for intervention. It is about supporting the carer’s residual
capacity and motivation. To do so, the intervention should assertively engage
resources within the community support network.

What working together to support a vulnerable
person means
Working together means identifying needs early and addressing them. It
means undertaking work in a timely and focused way. It means establishing
and developing key partnerships to undertake intensive pieces of intervention
work.
The intervention or strategy is often led or directed by a social worker, or an
identified professional. As part of the strategy, the vulnerable person is asked
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