Adult Protective Services Definition
Purpose
Adult Protective Services protect vulnerable adults from exploitation, neglect, and abuse.Definition
Note:Please see PA-APS Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.
Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the APS Crosswalk.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No On-Site Evidence
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PA-APS 1.01
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, agency, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in service recipients); and
- expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system.
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments;
- risks assessments conducted for specific interventions; and
- the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
PA-APS 1.02
The logic model identifies client outcomes in at least two of the following areas:
- change in clinical status;
- change in functional status;
- health, welfare, and safety;
- permanency of life situation;
- quality of life;
- achievement of individual service goals; and
- other outcomes as appropriate to the program or service population.
Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PA-PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes.
PA-APS 1.03
- corporal punishment;
- the use of aversive stimuli;
- interventions that involve withholding nutrition or hydration, or that inflict physical or psychological pain;
- the use of demeaning, shaming, or degrading language or activities;
- forced physical exercise to eliminate behaviors;
- unwarranted use of invasive procedures or activities as a disciplinary action;
- punitive work assignments;
- punishment by peers; and
- group punishment or discipline for individual behavior.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 2: Personnel
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 2.01
PA-APS 2.02
PA-APS 2.03
- providing preventive and supportive services to ensure maximum participation and self-determination;
- communicating and working with vulnerable adults, including adults with disabilities;
- recognizing mental, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, neglect and self-neglect, financial exploitation, and abandonment;
- investigative techniques, including evaluating risk;
- the rights of vulnerable adults;
- working with individuals and families who may resist social, medical, and legal services;
- using the agency's authority to intervene on behalf of vulnerable adults who are abused, exploited, or neglected; and
- working with law enforcement.
PA-APS 2.04
PA-APS 2.05
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
- the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of persons served.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 3: Community Partnerships
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A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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No Self-Study Evidence
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PA-APS 3.01
- preventing and recognizing abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
- how to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect;
- legal responsibilities for mandated reporters; and
- services available.
PA-APS 3.02
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 4: Screening
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 4.01
PA-APS 4.02
- the agency's responsibilities, including protection of the reporter’s identity;
- the process used to screen and investigate reports and the role of the reporter in this process;
- the types of services or interventions the agency can provide;
- the result of the screening or investigation, unless prohibited by law or court order; and
- whether the reporter can have an ongoing role in the screening or investigation process.
PA-APS 4.03
- takes an active role in screening and in subsequent decision making; and
- is informed of his or her rights, including the right to refuse service as long as the individual has the capacity to understand the consequences of refusal.
PA-APS 4.04
- critical indicators or risk factors in abuse and neglect;
- prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
- the appropriate level of response for individual cases.
PA-APS 4.05
- identifies priority cases;
- reports to other authorities or initiates court action when required; and
- determines if the case will be screened out within 24 hours, referred to other providers for an alternative response, or assigns it for investigation.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 5: Investigation and Risk Assessment
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 5.01
PA-APS 5.02
- completed within established timeframes;
- updated as needed based on the needs of persons served; and
- focused on information pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.
Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.
PA-APS 5.03
- physical safety;
- capacity for making decisions;
- perpetrator factors;
- how the person is being affected by the situation;
- individual, family, and environmental factors; and
- if the adult is in danger, in need of protection, or should be removed immediately.
PA-APS 5.04
- legal or law enforcement intervention;
- the arrangement for guardianship, conservatorship, commitment, or fiduciary responsibility for persons served;
- securing an alternative living arrangement;
- obtaining resources or services immediately when there are unmet basic needs;
- initiating a safety management plan when there are concerns about the individual's safety; or
- withdrawal from the case and provision of referrals.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 6: Service Planning and Monitoring
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 6.01
- goals and outcomes for personal safety, stability in living arrangements, and well-being;
- services and supports provided to improve care and avoid loss of independence, and by whom;
- formal and informal support systems that can aid in safe and appropriate caretaking;
- possibilities for maintaining and strengthening family relationships and connections with other informal social networks;
- procedures for expedited service planning when crisis or urgent need is identified; and
- the signature of the person served and his or her guardian, as applicable
PA-APS 6.02
- assume a service coordination role, as appropriate, when the need has been identified and no other agency has assumed that responsibility;
- ensure that they receive appropriate advocacy support;
- assist with access to the full array of services to which they are eligible; and
- mediate barriers to services within the service delivery system.
PA-APS 6.03
PA-APS 6.04
- service plan implementation;
- progress toward achieving service goals and desired outcomes; and
- the continuing appropriateness of the agreed upon service goals.
PA-APS 6.05
- review progress toward achievement of agreed upon service goals; and
- sign revisions to service goals and plans.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 7: Intervention
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 7.01
PA-APS 7.02
- providing information about the removal process;
- identifying personal items the individual will bring, including medication and medical equipment, as necessary;
- obtaining information about the individual's daily routine, preferred foods and activities, and needed therapeutic or medical care; and
- discussing continued contact with family and friends.
PA-APS 7.03
- health services;
- substance use and mental health services;
- victim support groups;
- financial assistance and money management;
- legal services;
- home care;
- nutritional services; and
- other community support services.
PA-APS 7.04
PA-APS 7.05
- assess safety and well-being;
- monitor service delivery; and
- support the achievement of agreed upon goals.
Adult Protective Services (PA-APS) 8: Case Closing and Aftercare
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
Self-Study Evidence | On-Site Evidence | On-Site Activities |
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PA-APS 8.01
- is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
- begins at intake; and
- involves the worker, persons served and others, as appropriate to the needs and wishes of the individual.
PA-APS 8.02
PA-APS 8.03
PA-APS 8.04
- develop an aftercare plan, sufficiently in advance of case closing, that identifies short- and long-term needs and goals and facilitates the initiation or continuation of needed supports and services; or
- conduct a formal case closing evaluation, including an assessment of unmet need, when the agency has an interagency agreement that does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.