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Adult Protective Services Library
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Sections

  • Welcome to the Adult Protective Services Library
  • Miscellaneous
    • Investigating Suspected Elder Maltreatment
  • Introduction to Law & Policy
    • Meriweather Scott Referral
    • John Brown Referral
    • Jane Philbright Referral
    • Interviewing Tips
    • Referrals on Special Populations
  • APS Forms & System
    • APS Computer System Reference Guide
    • Proper Documentation: A Key Topic in Training Programs for Elder Abuse Workers
  • Normal Aging
    • Ageism and the Elderly
    • Exercise for Healthy Aging
  • Investigative Process
    • Technical Assistance Brief Investigation Protocols
  • Substantiation Decision
    • Determining Findings
    • Adult Protective Services Clients Confirmed for Self-Neglect: Characteristics and Service Use
    • A Good Man is Hard to Find
  • Service Planning
    • Service Planning with APS Clients
    • Older Adults Affected by Polyvictimization: A Review of Early Research
  • Urgent Response
    • APS Urgent Response Guidelines
    • Responding to Emergencies
    • Planning and Preparing for Investigations
  • Worker Safety
    • Safety Grid
    • Planning for Safety
  • Pre-Academy Field Tasks
    • Customer Service in Adult Protective Services

Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

  1. Why Investigate? It’s the law! Upon receiving a report of alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation of an incapacitated adult pursuant to the provisions of (this) Act, the Department of Human Services shall make a prompt and thorough investigation. (Title 43A, section 10-105, A.) Key words:
    1. Shall – This word does not allow us to decide not to investigate a referral. If we receive a referral which alleges abuse, neglect or exploitation of an incapacitated adult, we MUST investigate
    2. Prompt – Policy calls for investigations to be initiated within 72 hours of receiving a complaint, or immediately if the situation is alleged to be an emergency.
    3. Thorough – We are to investigate all aspects of an alleged victim’s circumstances to get enough information to arrive at a sound decision on the case.

Investigation Defined

A systematic, methodical and detailed inquiry and examination of all components, circumstances and relationships pertaining to a reported situation.

The objective of an Adult Protective Services investigation is to determine whether a referral is substantiated or unsubstantiated by drawing conclusions from facts discovered during the investigation.

Basic Steps in the Investigative Process

  1. Plan and Prepare
  2. Locate the Victim
  3. Enter the Premises
  4. Interview and Observe
  5. Respond to Emergencies
  6. Contact Collaterals
  7. Document
  8. Determine Validity
  9. Notify District Attorney of Results

Investigation Process

O.S. 43A 10-105

Manual Section 105-3-34

  • Face to face with the client
  • Medical, physical, psychological evaluations, as needed
  • Consultation with others
  • Service plan including least restrictive services
  • Available services
  • Is client capable of obtaining services
  • Is caretaker willing to provide services
  • Will client accept
  • Capacity to consent
  • Notification of next of kin
  • Interview with caretaker, alleged perpetrator
  • Necessary documentation (photos, bank records, etc.)
  • Follow up/monitoring
  • Other relevant information

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Undue Influence
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Planning and Preparing for Investigations

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