3006 Alleged Perpetrator Contact | APS-5500-MANUAL
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Georgia Division of Aging Services |
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Chapter: |
3000 Investigation and Assessment |
Effective Date: |
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Section Title: |
Alleged Perpetrator Contact |
Reviewed or Updated in: |
MT 2019-04 |
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Section Number: |
3006 |
Previous Update: |
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Summary Statement
APS staff shall make face-to-face contact with the alleged perpetrator during the investigation/assessment unless such contact might further endanger the disabled adult/elder person.
Basic Considerations
Attempt to interview the alleged perpetrator, except when:
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contacting/interviewing the alleged perpetrator would or could place the client at greater risk of continued abuse and/or neglect;
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requests from law enforcement that the alleged perpetrator not be interviewed; or
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identity of the alleged perpetrator is unknown.
Procedures
Case managers will inform the alleged perpetrator (AP) that an APS report has been received and shall request a face-to-face interview with the alleged perpetrator and address the specific allegations. The identity of the reporter must not be revealed.
Case managers will ask for the names of any individuals whom the alleged perpetrator believes should be interviewed.
The APS case manager shall summarize the interview and next steps with the alleged perpetrator. Case managers will leave their name and phone number with the alleged perpetrator. If possible, schedule any future appointments/interviews at the time of the initial AP interview.
Risk Posed by Alleged Perpetrator
If the AP refuses a face-to-face visit, the case manager should attempt to interview the AP and address the specific allegations via telephone.
Risk to Client
In cases where contacting the alleged perpetrator will put the vulnerable adult or APS staff at risk, the case manager will need to discuss the situation with their supervisor for input and direction.
If the AP poses a risk to the client’s safety and/or well-being, case managers can:
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delay contacting the perpetrator until the client is safe and/or finances are secure
Prior to Interview
When the case manager believes that the AP is potentially aggressive and/or violent, based on the information provided in the intake report, the case manager may:
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request that their supervisor or co-worker accompany them on the interview;
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suggest that the interview be conducted in a public place;
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coordinate the interview with other collateral(s); or
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ask law enforcement to be present at the time of the interview.
During the Interview
If the AP becomes aggressive during the interview, and there is the threat of or the likelihood of harm, the case manager shall end the interview. Once safe, the case manager shall determine if law enforcement must be contacted immediately.
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