Miscellaneous

• Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
  Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation 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… Read more: Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation
• Undue Influence
  Undue Influence Bennett Blum, M.D. “Undue influence” refers to the form of manipulation and control of another’s behavior. Being a legal term, it has no unique medical definition, however the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and sociology have all studied in… Read more: Undue Influence
• Mental Capacity – The 12 Categories
  Mental Capacity – The 12 Categories Express Desires Understand Pertinent Issues Learn New Information Focus on Relevant Information Remember the Information Know the Pertinent Parties and Their Responsibilities Know the Major Options Know the Likely Consequences for Each Option Reason… Read more: Mental Capacity – The 12 Categories
• Mental Capacity Assessment
  Mental Capacity Assessment Bennett Blum, M.D. “Mental capacity assessment” refers to the analysis of a person’s cognitive and emotional status as it relates to specific observable or legal behaviors. Three approaches to assessing mental capacity are used (singly or in… Read more: Mental Capacity Assessment
• Interviewing the Elderly – Factors to Consider
  Interviewing the Elderly – Factors to Consider Bennett Blum, M.D. The following is a list of situational and interviewer characteristics that have been shown to improve the quality of interviews with the elderly. This is not an exhaustive list. Please… Read more: Interviewing the Elderly – Factors to Consider
• APS Systemic Investigations
  APS Systemic Investigations Introduction: Conducting an Investigation of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation 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… Read more: APS Systemic Investigations
• APS Service Planning
  APS Service Planning A Realistic Look at Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, and Financial Dependence 50% of the homeless are either mentally ill or substance abusers Lack readily-available treatment programs No therapy is 100% effective High recidivism rates Assistance programs have… Read more: APS Service Planning
• Procedures for APS Investigations Group Homes
  Procedures for APS Investigations Group Homes Prior to initiating the investigation: Determine if the client(s) is a FOCUS CLASS MEMBER or has ever been a resident of Hissom. If yes refer report to the Office of Client Advocacy. Determine size… Read more: Procedures for APS Investigations Group Homes
• Procedures for APS Investigations Sheltered Workshops or Day Care Centers
  Procedures for APS Investigations Sheltered Workshops or Day Care Centers Prior to initiating the investigation: Determine where client(s) reside. Determine where, how and when the participants will be interviewed. Determine how many workers will be necessary to complete the investigation.… Read more: Procedures for APS Investigations Sheltered Workshops or Day Care Centers
• Guidelines for Use of APS Emergency Funds
  Guidelines for Use of APS Emergency Funds General information needed for all requests: Need: Describe circumstances regarding situation; what precipitated need and how client was meeting needs prior to APS involvement. Income: Amount and source(s). Determine availability of income and… Read more: Guidelines for Use of APS Emergency Funds
• Respond to Emergencies
  Respond to Emergencies Analyze immediate risk and determine need for emergency response and type of response indicated. On all reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, the investigator must: Analyze the situation for immediate risk. Determine the need for emergency services.… Read more: Respond to Emergencies
• Planning and Preparation
  Planning and Preparation Begins with receipt and review of the APS report and consists of the following steps: Review the report after supervisory screening Obtain and analyze prior case file Analyze allegation and response need Obtain additional information Prepare for… Read more: Planning and Preparation
• Weigh the Evidence
  Determine Validity Upon completion of the investigation the worker must reach a determination regarding each allegation. Each allegation must be determined as: Substantiated – the evidence collected indicates abuse, neglect or exploitation of an incapacitated adult is confirmed Unsubstantiated –… Read more: Weigh the Evidence
• Response Priority and Definitions
  Response Priority and Definitions Response Priority: Immediate response reports require that the investigation begins immediately, and that a face-to-face contact with the alleged victim is made upon the receipt of the report. Severe physical abuse: (external or internal) or sever… Read more: Response Priority and Definitions
• Program Coordination
  The APS program is implemented in the field through APS Specialists, who are Office of Field Operations staff, located in the county DHS offices. The six DHS management areas each have an Area Director and APS Field Liaison. The Liaison… Read more: Program Coordination
• APS Based in the Law
  APS Based in the Law Title 43A, Sections 10-101 through 10-111 The language authorizing Adult Protective Services for vulnerable adults is found in this section of the law. Although this law is actually the Mental Health law, Adult Protective Services… Read more: APS Based in the Law
• APS Forms Quick Reference
  APS Forms Quick Reference Form Cite & APS System Purpose of Form/Section Timeframes APS-1-AM(08AP101E)   ** (340:5-5-5-1a)   (LOGS) Tracks all reports by month for each county/APS specialist. Good management tool Completed upon receipt of the referral, then submitted to… Read more: APS Forms Quick Reference
• Emergency Response in APS
  Emergency Response in APS Emergency Situations in Adult Protective Services 3 Key elements in an emergency: the circumstances are such that the person could die or suffer serious physical consequences if the situation is not remedied and the situation presents… Read more: Emergency Response in APS
• Worker Safety
  Worker Safety Intent of These Guidelines These general guidelines address your health and safety of Department as you provide services to families. Your safety is of utmost importance in the day to day delivery of services. Risks to health and… Read more: Worker Safety
• Office of Client Advocacy
  Office of Client Advocacy Advocate General Mark L. Jones Telephone: 405-525-4850 Toll Free: 1-800-522-8014 Fax: 405-525-4855 Mission Statement “Our mission is to provide advocacy assistance, conduct investigations and maintain grievance programs to promote client safety and independence and the delivery… Read more: Office of Client Advocacy
• Aging Services Division
  Aging Services Division Director Carey D. Garland Mailing Address 2401 N.W. 23rd St., Ste. 40 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Fax: 405-521-2086 Visit our InterNet website! OUR MISSION “Our mission is to provide leadership in issues relating to older Oklahomans; to… Read more: Aging Services Division
• Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD)
  Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) Mission Statement “Our mission to enable people with developmental disabilities to lead healthy, independent and productive lives to the fullest extent possible, to promote the full exercise of their rights as citizens of their communities,… Read more: Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD)
• Nursing Care & Alternative Care
  Nursing Care & Alternative Care As we consider the nature of the programs we offer those individuals who can no longer provide adequate care for themselves, it’s important to remember the human side of the issue. Beyond every case number… Read more: Nursing Care & Alternative Care
• TANF/Work
  TANF/Work Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) began in October, 1996. Those who were on assistance at that time and every family that has started to receive TANF assistance since that time have all been limited to no more than… Read more: TANF/Work
• Health Benefits
  Health Benefits Health care is expensive. Billions of dollars are spent annually to cover the costs of medical care received by children and adults. As you might expect, it’s impossible to provide coverage for everyone. In fact, you’ll routinely encounter… Read more: Health Benefits
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs
  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs Although many people still refer to food stamps the name of the program has been changed to SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Oklahoma entered the Food Stamps Program in 1972 following many years of distributing… Read more: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs
• Cross Training/Other DHS Resources
  Cross Training/Other DHS Resources It is part of our mission to help vulnerable adults we serve to access needed resources. Many of those resources are community resources, but many are resources right here within DHS itself. Getting to know those… Read more: Cross Training/Other DHS Resources
• Home Visits
  Home Visits Home visits have been one of the social worker’s most effective tools from the very beginning. Examining the home provides information you can’t get in any other way. Decades ago, social workers called themselves “friendly visitors” when they… Read more: Home Visits
• Investigating Suspected Elder Maltreatment
  Investigating Suspected Elder Maltreatment Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, PhD ABSTRACT. Thorough investigation of reported cases or elder maltreatment is necessary to determine the validity of the allegations and to identify victims to whom protective services should be offered. This paper discusses the… Read more: Investigating Suspected Elder Maltreatment
• Self-Neglect: A Practitioner’s Perspective
  Self-Neglect: A Practitioner’s Perspective Paula M. Mixson, BA, SWA ABSTRACT. The practitioner’s concern in cases of self-neglect is not with definitions, but rather with the conflict between the societal imperative to protect the vulnerable from harm while honoring individual autonomy.… Read more: Self-Neglect: A Practitioner’s Perspective
• Suicidal Behavior in the Elderly
  Suicidal Behavior in the Elderly by Katalin Szanto, M.D.Psychiatric Times • December2003 • Vol. XX • Issue 13 Assessment and treatment of suicidal patients is one of the most difficult and anxiety-provoking tasks for mental health care professionals. In the… Read more: Suicidal Behavior in the Elderly
• Interviewing Elders for Suspected Sexual Abuse: Guidelines and Techniques
  Interviewing Elders for Suspected Sexual Abuse: Guidelines and Techniques Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, PhD Abstract. There is little professional literature, research, or training regarding elder sexual abuse, despite the fact that cases are being identified in many locales. This article presents guidelines… Read more: Interviewing Elders for Suspected Sexual Abuse: Guidelines and Techniques
• Elder Sexual Abuse: Preliminary Findings
  Elder Sexual Abuse: Preliminary Findings Holly Ramsey-Klawsnik, PhD ABSTRACT. Twenty-eight cases of suspected elder sexual abuse were identified and described by elder protective service workers. All the victims were female, and 71% experienced significant limitations in capacity for independent functioning… Read more: Elder Sexual Abuse: Preliminary Findings
• Fiduciary Abuse of the Elderly: A Prosecutor’s Perspective
  Fiduciary Abuse of the Elderly: A Prosecutor’s Perspective Candace J. Heisler, JDJane B. Tewksbury, JD ABSTRACT. Fiduciary abuse of the elderly is an increasingly recognized social problem. While all seniors are potential victims, the oldest members of society are at… Read more: Fiduciary Abuse of the Elderly: A Prosecutor’s Perspective
• Recognizing Abuse: An Assessment Tool for Nurses
  Recognizing Abuse: An Assessment Tool for Nurses Michael Davies This chapter is intended principally, but not exclusively, for nurses, both hospital and community-based. It will explore the implications associated with elder abuse from this perspective. It will also incorporate the… Read more: Recognizing Abuse: An Assessment Tool for Nurses
• Validation: An Empathic Approach to the Care of Dementia
  Validation: An Empathic Approach to the Care of Dementia Validation is a method for communicating both verbally and non-verbally with old-old disoriented populations. The goal of Validation is: (1) to stimulate communication in order to prevent withdraws inward; (2) to… Read more: Validation: An Empathic Approach to the Care of Dementia
• Evaluating Decision-making Capacity in the Elderly: A Review of Recent Literature
  Evaluating Decision-making Capacity in the Elderly: A Review of Recent Literature Marshall B. Kapp, JD, MPH SUMMARY. This article critically reviews and analyzes recent contributions to the medical and legal literature dealing with the subject of defining and assessing decision-making… Read more: Evaluating Decision-making Capacity in the Elderly: A Review of Recent Literature
• Adult Protective Services – Capacity to Consent (Memo)
  Adult Protective Services – Capacity to Consent (Memo) STATE OF OKLAHOMADEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES To:George Miller Date: November 29, 1988Deputy Director From:Pamela HardwickAssistant General Counsel Subject:Adult Protective Services Capacity Consent I have reviewed your memorandum of November 15, 1988, and… Read more: Adult Protective Services – Capacity to Consent (Memo)
• Combatting Elder Abuse Through the Legal Process
  Combatting Elder Abuse Through the Legal Process Howard B. Eisenberg, JD ABSTRACT. The experiences of attorneys and law students who provide legal services to a predominantly elderly population through the legal clinic of a rural law school are described in… Read more: Combatting Elder Abuse Through the Legal Process
• The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Elder Abuse Cases
  The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Elder Abuse Cases Candace J. Heisler, JD ABSTRACT. The criminal justice system can provide a powerful tool for protecting victims of elder abuse by communicating a message to the offender that the… Read more: The Role of the Criminal Justice System in Elder Abuse Cases
• Conduct In and Around the Courthouse and The Wisdom of Yoda
  Conduct In and Around the Courthouse and The Wisdom of Yoda In the course of a single day, Adult Protective Services Specialists often wear several different hats: social worker, investigator, advocate, errand boy, doctor, Girl Friday, counselor, attorney, and a… Read more: Conduct In and Around the Courthouse and The Wisdom of Yoda
• Testifying
  COURTROOM TRICKS RESPONSES 1. Rapid firing of questions.   Take time to answer, be deliberate, ask to have question repeated.   2. Attorney becomes condescending/benevolent (shake confidence).   Give a firm decisive answer.   3. Attorney friendly, courteous and polite… Read more: Testifying
• The Witness
  The Witness Walk to the witness stand with even steps. When taking the oath, hold your right arm up high with fingers straight and look at the officer administering the oath. When the officer finishes the oath, “…so help you… Read more: The Witness
• Social Worker as Witness
  Social Worker as Witness Patricia C. ClarkUniversity of Wisconsin – Eau Claire VIOLATIONS Criminal (felonies or misdemeanors): offenses where penalty may be fines and/or incarceration. Civil: offenses where sole penalty is forfeiture of money or goods. Ordinances: civil law enacted… Read more: Social Worker as Witness
• Seven Basic Areas to all Social Work Practice
  Seven Basic Areas to all Social Work Practice Jankovic and Green (1981) presented research on child welfare workers at the 1980 APM which was later published in Journal of Education for Social Work. 17(3): 28-35.Out of research, seven basic areas… Read more: Seven Basic Areas to all Social Work Practice
• A Community Dialogue Series on Ethics and Elder Abuse: Guidelines for Decision-Making
  A Community Dialogue Series on Ethics and Elder Abuse: Guidelines for Decision-Making Georgia J. Anetzberger, PhDCarol Dayton, MSWPaulette McMonagle, MA ABSTRACT. Ethical dilemmas characterize the prevention and treatment of elder abuse. Yet, few guidelines exist for professionals or communities to… Read more: A Community Dialogue Series on Ethics and Elder Abuse: Guidelines for Decision-Making
• Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Study of Adult Protective Service Workers in the United States
  Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Study of Adult Protective Service Workers in the United States Ronald Dolon, EdDBernard Blakely, PhD ABSTRACT The study analyzes data from a 1987 survey of 1,137 adult protective service workers in forty states and Washington,… Read more: Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Study of Adult Protective Service Workers in the United States
• A Profile of Older Americans: 2011
  A Profile of Older Americans: 2011 Administration on Aging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Table of Contents The Older Population Future Growth Marital Status Living Arrangements Racial and Ethnic Composition Geographic Distribution Income Poverty Housing Employment Education Health… Read more: A Profile of Older Americans: 2011
• Cross-Cultural Geriatric Ethics: Negotiating our Differences
  Cross-Cultural Geriatric Ethics: Negotiating our Differences By Harry R. Moody In the United States there is a long and tragic history of discrimination in healthcare based on skin color. On the one hand, this history should make us sensitive to… Read more: Cross-Cultural Geriatric Ethics: Negotiating our Differences