Screening Tool for Optimal Protection

In every case the screener applies the Screening Tool for Optimal Protection to determine whether the situation is too dangerous for an APS home response.

1. In all cases the Screener must:
   1. Verify the AV’s address and zip code
   2. Search for and consider any APS history
   3. Complete an IMS search and review FACS notes
   4. Call the reporter and collaterals to clarify information if necessary
   5. Document if there is a tribal affiliation
2. If concerns are raised the Screener conducts Elevated Screening:
   1. Search for AV criminal records in OSCN, ODCR, and DOC Offender Lookup
   2. Search for AP criminal records in OSCN, ODCR, and DOC Offender Lookup
   3. Call the local US Post Office for information
   4. Call the County Assessor
   5. Conduct appropriate internet search
   6. Check tribal court records
   7. Staff the case with other relevant DHS staff
   8. Staff the case with Supervisor
3. A referral is assigned with low risk when there is no report of:
   1. Environmental hazards
   2. Drugs
   3. Weapons
   4. Violent behavior
   5. Animal concerns
   6. Criminal activity or criminal history
4. A referral is assigned as hazardous, and the Specialist must consider using the Buddy System or higher precautions when information includes:
   1. Environmental hazards requiring Personal Protective Equipment
   2. APS may be perceived as a threat
   3. Drug related issues including use and sale/distribution
   4. Weapons
   5. Violence
   6. Uncontrolled behaviors
   7. Vicious animals
   8. Communicable diseases
   9. Race or gender tensions
5. The APS Supervisor or designee may determine the following situations are considered too dangerous for an APS Specialist to make a face-to-face response:
   1. The AP or AV is violent
   2. Weapons are in use
   3. Police advise the situation is too dangerous for APS
   4. No cell phone signal combined with 2 or more hazards (see D. above)
   5. 3 or more hazards (see D. above)
   6. Homeless AV outside of organized shelter
   7. Homeless AV—where safety is unknown
   8. AV has a contagious or communicable disease
   9. Extreme weather hazards
   10. Extreme environmental hazards
6. APS Specialists have the authority and are expected to bring safety related information to the attention of their supervisor; the supervisor has the authority and is expected to modify the safety rating and APS response based on this information. If Stop Authority is implemented, the Supervisor or designee shall staff the case with the District Director or designee prior to case closure. The staffing must be documented in the notes section.
7. The Screener makes a referral to a Community Resource in all cases that are determined to be too dangerous for an APS face-to-face response. Community Resources include:
   1. Police; Sheriff
   2. Mental Health
   3. Call other known collaterals
   4. EMSA
   5. Fire Department
   6. Animal Control
   7. District Attorney; Assistant District Attorney
   8. Other appropriate local agency