Adult Protective Services Training 2023

[Audio] Today, we are here to learn about Adult Protective Services. We will be exploring the guidelines and protocols for responding to vulnerable adults who have been harmed physically, psychologically, or financially by an individual in a position of trust. By the end of this session, we should be better equipped to identify and report these cases in order to ensure the safety of our communities..

[Audio] A comprehensive training program, Adult Protective Services Training 2023, is designed for professionals to learn about the obligations and rights of individuals who are part of the vulnerable adult population. This training will focus on ways to recognize and appropriately report abuse, neglect and exploitation of such individuals, providing useful information and strategies to help professionals communicate effectively with these individuals and protect them from harm..

[Audio] From the definition of a Vulnerable Adult as stated by the Florida Statutes, it is clear that they are individuals aged 18 or over who, due to physical or mental impairments or due to the aging process, are unable to take care of their own needs or protect themselves. Therefore, it is essential that we take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being..

[Audio] Anyone in the state of Florida who suspects any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation must report it by calling the hotline at 1-800-96ABUSE. The Department of Elder Affairs and the Department of Children and Families have agreed to collaborate with the help of the AAA and the lead agencies in order to provide the necessary help for any victims in a timely manner..

[Audio] It is your responsibility as a Hotline Representative to assess potential harm or abuse to an older adult and facilitate the process for connecting them to Adult Protective Services investigations. An understanding of laws, regulations, and techniques used to ensure proper attention to these cases is essential. You need to be able to quickly identify cases that should be referred to Adult Protective Services investigators and provide the information necessary for those investigations..

[Audio] I assess the risk of further harm when a vulnerable adult is involved, identify possible indicators of abuse and exploitation, and investigate within 24 hours when the referral indicates that the vulnerable adult may be in immediate danger. I submit a high-risk referral to the Aging network through the ARTT system and contact the lead agency supervisor to provide referral information if the referral is made outside of regular business hours..

[Audio] My role as an Adult Protective Investigator Supervisor is to review all high-risk referrals before they are submitted to the Adult Response Tracking Tool. Lead Agencies should contact me in cases where they are unable to reach the API due to the nature of the investigations. If I am unavailable, the matter must be escalated to ElderSource for further action..

[Audio] APS training equips individuals to recognize and take action in cases involving vulnerable adults. Depending on the details of the particular situation, APS might classify the incident as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk. Low-risk cases are treated differently from intermediate- or high-risk cases which require an investigation and action if merited. Low-risk scenarios involve supplying information and referrals for support services, while intermediate-risk scenarios may warrant case management or counseling. High-risk incidents are handled as emergencies, with investigations conducted by APS and protective orders or medical care established if needed..

[Audio] Confirm receipt of the referral packet, contact the client and complete the 701B form, initiate Crisis Resolving Service within 72 hours, and follow through with the 31 day follow up and termination of services. These steps are imperative to ensure the safety and security of our adult clients for the Lead Agency Requirements for Adult Protective Services Training 2023..

[Audio] Confirmation of the referral packet received from the Adult Protective Services investigator is essential for the Community Care for the Elderly Lead Agency. The packet should contain the full referral form from ARTT, an adult safety assessment, and one of the following capacity to consent assessments. The lead agency must wait to accept the referral until they receive the full packet. If the full packet has not been sent, they should contact the API for clarification..

[Audio] Many adults require protection and assistance, and the Adult Protective Services Training provides this support. The training comes with a comprehensive referral packet, which includes a referral form, adult safety assessment, capacity to consent assessment, provision of voluntary Adult Protective Services form and, if needed, a court order. All these components must be filled out accurately to ensure efficient and effective support..

[Audio] Informing the client that services can be offered for a period of 31 days, during which the copay will be waived, is important. It is also necessary to document the appropriate services provided in the client's file and to complete the 701b assessment. Furthermore, it is essential to clearly indicate A-APS as the referral source while assigning a risk level of H-High in order to ensure the proper services are provided to the client..

[Audio] Providers must understand the importance of a fast response to any crises. In Adult Protective Services training, it is crucial to be aware that when a situation arises requiring resolution, it must be completed within 72 hours. Case management cannot substitute for crisis resolution. Should services be declined or take longer than expected, the lead agency must be notified within 24 hours and the client's records updated. When setting up a payment system, bear in mind that billing in eCIRTS works differently for the first 72 hours of services..

[Audio] The 14 day follow up rule for Adult Protective Services high-risk referrals should be strictly adhered to, with the follow-up call being done over the phone and all details recorded in the case narrative, including the date, duration, and frequency of services. When writing case notes, it is imperative to be specific in order to capture all essential information..

[Audio] A home visit prior to terminating services is essential and should take place after 31 days to determine if the client still requires services. The lead agency must contact the APS Investigator to update them on the client's status and determine if services can be safely terminated. Documentation of any changes in service delivery must be recorded in the case notes, and all conversations with the API should be stored in the client file for record-keeping purposes..

[Audio] All assessments, services, contact with Adult Protective Services staff, and any delays or issues in provision of services must be documented in detail. Documentation should clearly show the necessary information and justify the decisions taken. If services could not be provided for reasons beyond the control of the provider, document all actions taken in an attempt to provide services and/or contact the referred individual. If services were delayed, document why, when services began, and which services were provided. Remember – if it isn’t written, it didn’t happen!.

[Audio] Referrals to APS may be rejected for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of jurisdiction or insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the alleged victim not meeting criteria typically set for an eligible adult, the case not involving abuse or neglect perpetrated by a caregiver or family member, or the same case having already been referred. If the complete packet was not sent, the API should be contacted to clarify..

[Audio] The agency is accountable for their clients' well-being and should ensure they have access to their basic needs. Upon checking in on Mr. Johnson, it is important to supply food, medicine and bathing supplies. If needed, the agency should also make sure the living conditions of the home are safe and livable by providing cleaning supplies, furniture and other necessities. Furthermore, it is advantageous to offer Mrs. Johnson, the primary caregiver for her husband, resources to aid in managing her own mental and physical health..