1001 Adult Protective Services Overview | APS-5500-MANUAL
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Georgia Division of Aging Services |
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Chapter: |
1000 Introduction and Purpose |
Effective Date: |
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Section Title: |
Adult Protective Services Overview |
Reviewed or Updated in: |
MT 2020-01 |
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Section Number: |
1001 |
Previous Update: |
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Summary Statement
This Adult Protective Services Policy Manual includes requirements and procedures, based on statewide implementation of Georgia Law concerning Adult Protective Services.
In the case of emergencies (Natural Disasters, Pandemics, or unexpected or unforeseen conditions) Adult Protective Services policy and procedures may be modified and time-limited governance of direct services given during the critical period. Temporary Operating Procedures (TOP) will be communicated by Division of Aging (DAS) leadership and documented in Appendix I of Man 5600. TOP will be updated to meet the particular circumstances of the emergency.
Basic Considerations
A superior standard of practice depends upon an understanding of the authority and limitations under the state law, as well as sensitivity to the special needs and subtle issues that affect APS clients. The Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services is responsible for Adult Protective Services in Georgia. Additionally, as the designated State Agency on Aging under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA), the Division of Aging Services is committed to elder abuse prevention in accordance with the OAA mandate for coordination with Adult Protective Services. Adult Protective Services is a public protective service agency as referred to in the OAA.
Adult Protective Services (APS) is designed to protect adults with disabilities (18 years of age and older) and elder persons (65 and older) who are unable to protect their own interests; who are harmed or threatened with harm through action or inaction by another; or who, through their own actions due to lack of knowledge, lack of required resources, poor health, physically or mentally impaired.
The purpose of Adult Protective Services is to investigate reports, on behalf of the Division Director, deter the ongoing maltreatment of adults with disabilities and elder persons and prevent its recurrence through the provision of protective services that may range from information and referral to petitioning the court for the appointment of a guardian. Adult Protective Services may petition for the appointment of a guardian if an individual appears to lack capacity and it is necessary for the protection of an adult. Under state law, Ongoing Protective Services may not be provided to any person who does not consent to such services or who, having consented, withdraws such consent.
Adult Protective Services are those services necessary to protect adults with disabilities and elder persons from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Such services shall include, but are not be limited to, evaluation of the need for services and mobilization of essential services on behalf of the adults with disabilities or elder persons.
Adult Protective Services are intended to:
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Reduce further deterioration in the client’s situation;
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Protect the rights and resources of vulnerable adults;
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Reduce or remove the risks of threatened harm or danger;
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Enable adults to manage their own affairs to the extent possible; and
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Report to and collaborate with law enforcement.
Legal Basis and Funding
The Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. §30-5-1 et seq., is the legal authority for Adult Protective Services, provided by the Department of Human Services, through its Division of Aging Services.
Adult Protective Services receives federal funds from Title XIX (Medicaid) and Title XX (Social Services Block Grant) as well as state funds through the DHS Division of Aging Services.