1002 Responsibility, Functions and Duties of Adult Protective Services | APS-5500-MANUAL
Georgia Division of Aging Services |
||||
Chapter: |
1000 Introduction and Purpose |
Effective Date: |
||
Section Title: |
Responsibility, Functions and Duties of Adult Protective Services |
Reviewed or Updated in: |
MT 2019-04 |
|
Section Number: |
1002 |
Previous Update: |
Summary Statement
A systematic process has been established to define the responsibilities, functions and duties of APS starting with the initial receipt of a report alleging abuse, neglect or exploitation (A/N/E) to the method of providing services.
Basic Considerations
The Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, Adult Protective Services is responsible for:
-
Providing a mechanism by which reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults with disabilities and elder persons not living in long-term care facilities may be made;
-
Receiving and investigating all reports in a timely and thorough manner;
-
Assessing an adult’s capacity to understand the situation and evaluating the degree of danger and continued risk present;
-
Providing protective services to adults with disabilities and elder persons, directly or arranging for the services needed, to prevent or alleviate further maltreatment (abuse, neglect or exploitation);
-
Honoring an individual’s right to self-determination and using the least restrictive alternative in the provision of protective services;
-
Maintaining records pertaining to Adult Protective Services;
-
Coordinating with other agencies, conducting public awareness activities on the issues of adult and elder abuse; and maximizing community resources for APS clients;
-
Coordinating and cooperating with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and other agencies and services whose efforts are directed at protecting adults from A/N/E; and
-
Petitioning for the appointment of a guardian and/or conservator or other court ordered services when there is risk to life and the client lacks decision-making capacity.