For decades society has recognised that children are vulnerable and so it has sought to protect them. However, similar legal protection for adults who may be equally vulnerable has been neglected. The incremental introduction of legislation and reports in the UK, along with guidelines on good practice, now afford adults safeguarding procedures similar to those for children. This article offers a practical overview of these developments. In addition, it highlights some of the dilemmas that face practitioners in this evolving arena, as legislation and policy do not anticipate the diverse scenarios in which mental healthcare professionals may be involved. Decisions made can be subject to legal challenge, so it is important that psychiatrists understand their role as well as the role of their organisation in this complex area.