HUNDREDS of new safeguarding concerns were investigated in adult social care in Barnsley last year.
When an adult in care is judged to be at risk of abuse or neglect, local authorities have a duty to carry out an enquiry.
Figures from NHS England show new enquiries were raised 785 times about adults in social care in Barnsley.
The most common safeguarding concern in Barnsley was for neglect and acts of omission – meaning care needs were ignored – with this featuring in 560 cases.
ADASS, a membership body for social care workers, said safeguarding vulnerable adults is a ‘careful balancing act’.
Chief executive Anna Hemmings said: "While some people need protection, others choose and have the right to live in a way which presents risks.
"For this group, the role of social care teams is to make them aware of the risks and ensure they know where support is available to them if and when they choose to take it."
Nationally, 56,075 concerns were investigated regarding people in care homes, alongside 13,845 in hospitals.
In Barnsley these figures were around 420 and 70 respectively.
