4001 Introduction | APS-5500-MANUAL

If as a result of an investigation conducted under this chapter the director determines that a disabled adult or elder person is in need of protective services, the director shall immediately provide or arrange for protective services for any disabled adult or elder person who consents thereto O.C.G.A. § 30-5-5(c).

Protective Services are defined as “services necessary to protect a disabled adult or elder person from abuse, neglect, or exploitation (A/N/E). Such services shall include, but not be limited to, evaluation of the need for services and mobilization of essential services on behalf of a disabled adult or elder person” O.C.G.A. § 30-5-3(15). The mobilization of services to reduce the risk of A/N/E may extend beyond the 45 days allotted to complete an Adult Protective Services (APS) investigation (refer to chapter 3 of this manual for investigation policy). When this occurs, the case shall be moved into a status of On-going Protective Services.

Adult Protective Services Case Managers have a dual role; one is Investigator and the other is Case Manager. As investigators, APS staff are required to work with law enforcement agencies, legal services, the court system and a variety of agencies depending on the nature of the case to gather information and complete an analysis in order to substantiate or unsubstantiate the alleged abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. In the role of case manager, APS staff must identify and, with the permission of the client, coordinate essential services to meet the protective services needs of the client.

Adult Protective Services is not intended to be a long-term care service. On-going Adult Protective Services are provided to reduce the risk of ongoing or future A/N/E. The case manager’s role is to address the variety of needs and complexities in the client’s life while at the same time managing the delivery of services and coordination with a variety of providers. APS case managers should avoid duplication of services by coordinating with other service providers who can provide needed services. This will assist APS to close on-going cases with the knowledge that the client has the necessary resources to reduce their risk for further maltreatment and/or self-neglect.

Once the adult has been evaluated to be in need of Ongoing Protective Services, during the investigation process, a dialog shall be conducted with the adult who is the subject of the investigation and/or designated caregiver to discuss service needs and options. The adult shall be presented with the option to have APS assist in the mobilization of agreed upon services. If permission for assistance is approved by the adult, they shall be placed into either Short-term On-going Services or Standard On-going Services depending on the estimated time required to deliver said services and the type of Services needed.

The On-going case shall be terminated when:

Georgia’s Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A §30-5-1, et.seq.