Adult Protective Services Library

Planning and Preparation

  1. Begins with receipt and review of the APS report and consists of the following steps:
    1. Review the report after supervisory screening
    2. Obtain and analyze prior case file
    3. Analyze allegation and response need
    4. Obtain additional information
    5. Prepare for the initial face to face interview

Initial Screening

  1. First opportunity to make judgments and decisions related to risk
    1. Determine if the report indicates a situation that may result in death or serious physical injury to the client (EMERGENCY)
    2. Determine indicators of danger to worker at the home visit
  2. Review report. When referral is received it should be reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
    1. Name and identifying factors (DOB, race, sex, incapacity, etc.)
    2. Address and finding directions to home
    3. Details of allegations
    4. Specific instructions
    5. Name of reporter (if not anonymous) and relationship to victim
    6. Other reported information sources

Obtain and analyze prior case file

  1. Complete search of OKDHS file via computer
    1. Client
    2. Alleged perpetrator
    3. Check for
      1. Aliases, if any are known
      2. Spelling variations
      3. Misspelled or inverted names
  2. Identify established patterns and prior observations if previous APS referrals have been made.
    1. May indicate pattern of self-neglect or abuse/neglect by second party or caregiver.
      1. How were previous reports handled?
      2. Were services provided?
      3. Why were subsequent reports made (new circumstances, situation deterioration )?
      4. Are there others in the home reported to have been abused or neglected?
    2. Look for cycles or patterns of family violence or self-neglect.
    3. Note any drug/alcohol problems.
    4. Note sources of previous reports.
    5. Be aware that previous investigations may prejudice current investigation, and REMAIN OBJECTIVE.
  3. County Director must be contacted when employee of the Department is the alleged perpetrator, client, or relative of either.
  4. Review financial status.
    1. Determine if client receives public assistance and, if so, the amount
    2. Determine financial status of alleged perpetrator if possible
    3. Be alert to signs that large sums of money or property may be at stake

Review allegations and information.

  1. Careful review will prepare the worker for making important decisions regarding the investigation.
  2. The type of referral and response needed helps to determine:
    1. the types of interviews to be conducted
    2. the physical evidence to be gathered
    3. the observations to be made
    4. the individuals to be consulted
    5. the decisions to be made as a result of the report and allegations

Obtain additional information

  1. Contact major sources of information (COLLATERALS)
    1. Law enforcement — if alleged victim or perpetrator has or is alleged to have a criminal record
    2. Medical professionals — if there is prior or current history of treatment for abuse, neglect or special medical problems
    3. Other agencies — if services are being or have in the past been provided *NOTE: It is definitely advantageous to cultivate key individuals as professional contacts within any public or private organizations that can provide information. It is helpful at this stage for information to be obtained quickly and reliably.
  2. Contact law enforcement if it appears:
    1. Emergency entry is needed
    2. Emergency removal is indicated
    3. Caregiver refuses to allow investigation
    4. A second party is believed to be the perpetrator and a criminal investigation is required
    5. Report indicates a serious crime may have been committed
    6. There is reason to believe alleged perpetrator may flee if law enforcement is not present
    7. Necessary to preserve the peace
    8. Information suggests law enforcement may have been involved with family
    9. Information suggests potential threat to worker *NOTE: It is recommended that workers establish and maintain a cooperative and collaborative relationship with law enforcement. This kind of rapport will increase the speed, reliability, and dependability necessary to assist before the home visit is made.

Prepare for the initial face to face interview

  1. To best prepare for an APS investigation worker must consider and resolve any residual feelings or doubt about:
    1. Legal authority to conduct investigation
    2. Own expertise to conduct the investigation
  2. Remember:
    1. The goals of APS and their relevance to this situation
    2. The importance of first protecting victim while insuring own safety
    3. The necessity to identify perpetrator in cases other than self-neglect
    4. The worker’s state of mind will influence approach and degree to which goals are accomplished
  3. Attitudes of worker may vary depending on:
    1. Type and degree of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
    2. Characteristics of client (age, mental or physical impairment levels)
    3. The client’s perceived degree of cooperation
  4. Devise interview strategy
    1. Evaluate own reactions to allegations * In order to prevent feelings from clouding investigation, these must be recognized and resolved.
    2. Prepare emotionally to interact with alleged abuser
    3. Consider:
      1. How will entry be gained?
      2. Who will be interviewed first?
      3. What questions will be asked and in what sequence?
      4. What facts are needed?
      5. What crucial observations must be made?
      6. How will interviews be terminated? Consider what you already know and what needs to be known.  
    4. Planned scenario may be changed by various contingencies which can interrupt routine strategy:
      1. Victim lacks capacity
      2. Unable to locate
      3. Medical emergency
      4. Violence requiring law enforcement
      5. Forced entry is required
      6. Emergency removal and placement
      7. Worker is physically or verbally threatened
      8. Client is mentally ill
    5. Other considerations
      1. Double check directions to home
      2. Names of persons involved
      3. Is camera necessary (extra film)
      4. Forms
      5. Telephone numbers for assistance

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 receipt of the report

  1. Severe physical abuse: (external or internal) or severe physical neglect, which presents a potential risk of death or immediate and serious harm to the victim.
  2. Sexual abuse occurring within the last 72 hours: if penetration is known or suspected, or in which the alleged perpetrator has immediate access to the alleged victim.
  3. The caregiver, alleged perpetrator, or the incapacitated adult is known or suspected of being psychotic, acting in a bizarre manner that could endanger the victim; or the caregiver is acting under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; or is unable to provide adequate care.
  4. Bizarre care or punishment by the alleged perpetrator or caregiver. For example, locking the incapacitated adult in a closet
  5. Incapacitated adult has been left alone by the caregiver, which could result in potential life-threatening or health-threatening consequences. These reports do not include situations in which the incapacitated adult was left with a relative or friend for weeks or longer and has a place to reside in the meantime.
  6. Abuse, severe or life-threatening malnourishment, or physical neglect, by self or others, when the report is made from the hospital or by medical personnel.
  7. Medical neglect and the need for emergency medical attention which without this medical attention would cause the incapacitated adult to be at risk (vulnerable) of potential life-threatening physical harm.
  8. Any abuse or neglect and the immediate safety of the incapacitated adult is unknown after the call is completed.