DHS Survey Results: COVID-19 and Impacts on Vulnerable Adult Protective Services

A survey on COVID-19 and Impacts on Vulnerable Adult Protective Services was sent March 19 to APS Supervisors via Gov.Delivery. The intent of the survey was to gather feedback from local APS supervisors on strategies being used to assess and respond to needs of vulnerable adults associated with reports of suspected maltreatment and notifications for emergency adult protective services. Responses represent 33 counties across Minnesota. Summarized results of the survey are outlined below.

***PLEASE NOTE*** 
Much has changed in the short time since this survey was sent and responses received. DHS has provided additional policy and practice guidance for APS to conduct face-to-face interviews only when there is no other method to meet a critical health and safety need of the vulnerable adult. Please review Resources at bottom of this message. DHS AP Unit will continue to provide APS COVID-19 communications during this period of national and state emergency.

 

REPORTED FACTORS BEING USED TO DETERMINE NEED FOR IN-PERSON ASSESSMENT:

• Consideration of safety factors, seriousness of allegation, and determining if face-to-face is needed to ensure health and safety (19 responses)
• If phone or other communication resources are not working/available; utilizing non-physical contact options first and law enforcement partners (14 responses)
• Before in-person contact, asking series of screening questions regarding recent travel, illness/symptoms, etc. (6 responses)
• No significant changes in operations (2 responses)

REPORTED ALTERNATIVE METHODS BEING USED FOR IN-PERSON ASSESSMENT:

• Screening questions during intake regarding travel, illness, symptoms, exposure
• Supervisor approval for face-to-face contacts
• Utilize non-physical contact whenever possible – examples provided include: telephone, text, email, face time, video chat, collateral contact, google duo, skype
• Go out and attempt to make contact with VA via phone, but ask them to stand in window or door where we can see them
• Utilize information from reporter, first responders, law enforcement, clinic/hospital, or anyone else with direct contact

REPORTED BEST PRACTICE TIPS DURING THIS TIME OF CHANGE:

• Maintain high level of communication and support for staff.
• Be calm, be supportive, and listen. Acknowledge the unknowns and encourage preparedness, not panic.
• Screen reports very carefully and thoroughly, considering any possible alternatives to an in-person assessment.
• There will be changes and developments we must overcome and work through together. Practicing flexibility, patience, and understanding during this time is critical.
• Willingness to try new technologies in an effort to connect with our clients and serve them in the best way possible is necessary.
• Have an updated resource list prepared to provide to vulnerable adults: access to food, changes in pick up at food shelves, etc.
• Use social work concepts (motivational interviewing, active listening) in assisting clients in understanding why video visits are necessary and how to install any video applications on their devices. We understand there will be technological difficulties and barriers, however, we need to work diligently to overcome these.
• Coordination with other service providers that may be already out in the field. Coordinate with them to reduce possible risk and/or to provide needed interventions.
• Remain flexible and work as a team.
• Gain as much info up front as possible.
• Consider risk to community by us (APS).

REPORTED ADDITIONAL SERVICES OR SUPPORTS NEEDED: Unknown, anticipate needs will change as both citizens and staff become ill and services are less available. Concerned about VAs that may need food, medications, home care, and delivery to meet their needs. If someone is quarantined it would be a challenge getting them the MNChoices. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional supplies to ensure safety of worker and VA. Services for our vulnerable mental health populations. If resources continue to close or halt services and referrals then it will be an issue getting clients assistance they need. Flexibility in timelines, service implementation, and increase in at-home resources. With staffing a day-to-day need, anticipate more need. Additional direction on agency response. HOW CAN DHS ADULT PROTECTION UNIT SUPPORT YOUR WORK WITH MALTREATED VULNERABLE ADULTS? Host regional WebEx meetings – 22 respondents. DHS Adult Protection Unit has begun scheduling these meetings. Consultation – 27 respondents. DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialists are available for consultation. Please call 651-431-2609 or email adultprotection@state.mn.us Information on Resources and Services – 21 respondents. DHS Adult Protection Unit will continue to share updates as conditions change. Please reach out with any questions 651-431-2609 or adultprotection@state.mn.us Other – Share information about reporting trends in the state as things progress. DHS Adult Protection Unit is tracking reporting and will report trends. Other – Request flexibility in timelines, paperwork, etc. Adult protection is a county administered essential human service. DHS does not regulate or penalize counties for compliance on time frames for documentation or for initial or final disposition in response to maltreatment reports. Thank you to all who responded to the survey. These are extraordinary times. Continued flexibility and creativity are vital to ensure personal safety for the client, worker, and community. Kindness, patience, ethical practices, and following public health advice will get us through this time. Take care!

APS Resources:

Administration for Community Living (ACL)  APS Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC) COVID-19 Education Brief

To find the most up-to-date information for providers, counties, tribes and members of the public, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage.

For the latest information on MN public health recommendations, visit MDH COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19

DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialists (APRS) are available for case consultation dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or 651-431-2609.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Health questions: 651-207-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)