Power of attorney

Power of Attorney is a legal document whereby one person gives another person or persons the power to act on his or her behalf with regard to his or her property and financial affairs. The local authority Social Services department may be involved in applications for Power of Attorney for their clients and may work with other agencies to monitor abuses. In Scotland the LA has a series of duties to fulfil under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. These include providing advice and information to people functioning under the Act to help or support a friend, relative or professional person. The duties include, among others, helping and supporting people who are welfare guardians and investigating situations where people who cannot make their own decisions might be at risk.