SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  FAMILY

Two or more people who consider themselves family and who assume obligations, functions, and responsibilities generally essential to healthy family life. Child care and child socialization, income support, long-term care, and other caregiving are among the functions of family life. The definition of "family" will rest with an individual's indication of who plays a family member role, including current or former foster family, adoptive family, extended family members, fictive kin, or significant others. Organizations that believe family is the central constellation in a child's life, and that family attachments are of primary importance for human development, will strive to work with professional staff to develop a common understanding of "family."		  
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  EVALUATION

The review and assessment of organizational operations, programs and services.		  
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  CASE

A general term used to designate clients (including individuals, families, and groups) served by an organization for purposes of monitoring the provision of services. A foster care case is generally based on the placement of an individual child, although casework for the child may include services to the child's family. A child protective services case is based on an entire family household if a family assessment model is used; otherwise a case is defined as a child.		  
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.		  
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  REFERRALS

Resource suggestions provided to consumers to address problems or needs that are beyond the scope of the organization's mission.		  
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  MANAGEMENT

See ADMINISTRATION		  
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Adult Protective Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-APS 4: Investigation and Risk Assessment

 
An investigation is completed in a timely and efficient manner to determine if the reported abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred and if services are needed to keep the individual safe.
NA The agency does not conduct investigations.

PA-APS 4.01

 

The investigator visits the home of the individual at least once during the investigation process and conducts interviews with the reporter, collateral contacts, and all members of the family to complete an evaluation specific, but not limited to, the reason for the initial report, including:

  1. physical safety;
  2. how the person is being affected by the situation;
  3. individual, family, and environmental factors; and
  4. if the adult is in danger, in need of protection, or should be removed immediately.
Interpretation: If the report suggests that the person is in imminent danger, the investigator visits the home immediately or refers the case to law enforcement.

PA-APS 4.02

 

Assessments include an evaluation of:

  1. the individual’s safety and overall mental and physical health;
  2. strengths;
  3. history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
  4. risk of harm in the near future;
  5. capacity for making decisions;
  6. natural support systems; and
  7. perpetrator factors.

PA-APS 4.03

 

Appropriate action is taken when the need arises, including:

  1. legal or law enforcement intervention;
  2. the arrangement for guardianship, conservatorship, commitment, or fiduciary responsibility for persons served;
  3. securing an alternative living arrangement; or
  4. withdrawal from the case and provision of referrals.

PA-APS 4.04

 
When there are concerns about the individual's safety, a safety management plan is initiated, and when there are unmet basic needs, resources or services are obtained immediately.
Interpretation: Basic needs can include food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance.

PA-APS 4.05

 
Assessments are conducted in a culturally responsive manner and identify resources that can increase service participation and success.
Interpretation: Culturally responsive assessments can include attention to geographic location, language of choice, and the person’s religious, racial, ethnic and cultural background. Other important factors that contribute to a responsive assessment include attention to age, sexual orientation, and developmental level.
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PURPOSE: Adult Protective Services protect vulnerable adults from exploitation, neglect, and abuse.
 
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