COUNCIL chiefs have come together to launch a strategy to protect adults who are at risk from abuse in York and North Yorkshire.

The "No Secrets" policy was signed by the chief executives of North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council - Jeremy Walker and David Atkinson, respectively.

Also on hand to back the initiative, aimed at protecting anyone seen to be at risk, who needs community care due to mental or other disability, age or illness, was North Yorkshire's Chief Constable, David Kenworthy.

The plan promotes the prevention of abuse, which can include bullying, sexual or psychological abuse, financial or material exploitation, or neglect. It also provides a framework for investigating complaints and supporting victims.

Social services staff in both councils have worked together to co-ordinate the production of the policies and procedures, which statutory agencies must get into place by the end of the month. A joint project group has been established to drive the project forward.

Mr Atkinson said: "This group has delivered the strategy, now it's up to both councils to try to deliver a secure environment for the county's vulnerable adults."

And Mr Walker added: "The aim is to create a framework for action within which all responsible agencies work together to create a coherent policy for the protection of adults at risk of abuse."

Updated: 11:50 Tuesday, October 16, 2001