This Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, particularly those with disabilities and older persons, who cannot protect themselves from harm, abuse, or neglect due to their circumstances. The legislation creates the position of a Director responsible for protecting vulnerable adults and provides for the investigation of alleged harm, abuse, and neglect. The Director must work with trained officials and shall act in accordance with the adult's wishes and preferences, respecting their rights, dignity, and cultural background, while ensuring accessibility and reasonable accommodation. Key definitions include 'abuse' (physical, sexual, mental, emotional, psychological, material, or combinations thereof), 'harm' (physical, psychological, or material harm), and 'neglect' (failure to provide necessary care, assistance, guidance, or attention). The Act establishes protective interventions and emergency intervention orders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults, and creates a register for the protection of such adults. The legislation also makes consequential amendments to the Convention on the International Protection of Adults (Ratification) Act, Cap. 633. The Act shall come into force on dates to be established by the Minister responsible for disability rights, with different dates potentially applicable to different provisions. The Director shall investigate allegations of harm and take appropriate protective action, develop individualized support plans centred on the person, provide guidance to families and support persons, and issue guidance on what constitutes significant harm or risk thereof.

Adult Safeguarding — Protection of Vulnerable Adults, including Those with Disabilities and Older Adults (Act XIV of 2026)