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flag New Zealand adds "disability" to its legal definition of "vulnerable adult" to strengthen protections, following abuse commission recommendations.

flag New Zealand is updating its laws to better protect vulnerable adults by including "disability" in the legal definition of "vulnerable adult" under the Crimes Act 1961, following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care. flag The change, which clarifies existing law rather than expanding it, aims to strengthen safeguards for adults with disabilities. flag While some advocacy groups urged replacing "vulnerable" with "adult at risk" to avoid stigma, officials warned of potential legal complications, leading the government to retain the original term. flag The move is part of broader reforms to address historical abuse in care systems, including changes to record-keeping oversight and worker vetting, with a $71.5 million investment to support a safer care workforce.

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