Protecting vulnerable adults in Singapore: the creation of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018
The Journal of Adult Protection
ISSN: 1466-8203
Article publication date: 8 December 2020
Issue publication date: 23 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development and content of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018 (hereafter “the Act”) in Singapore. It reports the parliamentary processes and deliberations.
Design/methodology/approach
A synthesis of publicly available research, policy documents, parliamentary debate, media reports and commentary.
Findings
The paper sets the Act’s development and aims in Singapore’s social and legal contexts. It notes the interface with other legislation and the focus of the Act on community and family abuse and neglect.
Research limitations/implications
The paper suggests some areas for research including how the Act is used and its impact and also points to areas where the Act does not apply.
Practical implications
The paper outlines new professional powers and responsibilities and the role of government and community-based organisations.
Originality/value
This paper provides an early account of the genesis and aims of the new legislation, its powers and administration. Also, international comparisons are drawn.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was facilitated by the SR Nathan Visiting Professor funding from the National University of Singapore for JM to visit Singapore and engage with policy and practice stakeholders and also funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme (Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce: Ref. PR-PRU-1217–21002). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National University of Singapore, or in England the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
Citation
Manthorpe, J. and Chen, J.L. (2021), "Protecting vulnerable adults in Singapore: the creation of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 32-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2020-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited