Practitioner Conceptualisation of Vulnerability in Adults at Risk of Abuse

The recognition of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults is a relatively new phenomenon. In the

A decade of commentary by researchers, practitioners and campaign agencies indicates a general

drawn attention to confusion over what constitutes vulnerability, noting the lack of clarity over

This study explores what signs of vulnerability professionals in human services employ when

bearing on their conceptualisation and subsequent responses. Additionally, it explores how the

this.

interpreting the conceptualisation of vulnerability from the perspective of current police officers,

A mixed qualitative methods design was used including document analysis, focus group discussions,

analysis of SCR reports provided another layer of data.

identifying characteristics which fall into 3 domains. These relate to an adult's personhood

them. Characteristics of these categories included inability to understand, inability to communicate,

status of being cared for.

their understanding, and their authority and autonomy to act. These organisational constraints

Lipsky's model of Street Level Bureaucracy and use of discretion, it is argued that the constraints on

work by employers.

understanding of vulnerability, there has to be an understanding of the context and other influences

policy makers to liberate professionals from criteria driven decision making. This approach concurs

and emphasised that the characteristics outlined were 'descriptive, not definitive: indicative rather

than prescriptive'.