APS and COVID-19: Data Trends May 10-16, 2020
DHS Adult Protection Unit will continue to provide APS COVID-19 communications during this period of national and state emergency. Below are data outlining statewide trends regarding reporting of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults in Minnesota.
PLEASE NOTE: DHS has provided 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 "APS Resources" links at bottom of this message.
2019 MAARC report total divided by 52 for weekly average.
2019 MAARC report total divided by 52 for weekly average.
2019 MAARC report total divided by 52 for weekly average.
Reduce Visits, Not Services
DHS provided 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. It is important to continue to assess needs, safety plan, and offer APS in appropriate cases. Limiting face-to-face interactions creates additional challenges to assessment, engagement, and interventions. APS is up to this challenge. Here are some practice tips:
- Use Reliable Collaterals
- Coordinate with Partners: LIA’s, Ombudsman, Providers, Law Enforcement, Domestic Violence Advocates, Community Organizations, Informal Supports
- Employ Phone, Video, Physical Barriers like Windows, and Other Technology to Engage and Assess
SSIS COVID-19 Activity Code:
Use of the SSIS COVID-19 subservice code for activities associated with COVID-19 supports identification of impacts of COVID-19 on the maltreatment of vulnerable adults. This data will be useful for policy and planning.
APS Resources:
COVID-19 Expanded Service Capacity
Meals, grocery and prescription delivery services, telephone reassurance and energy assistance programs have expanded eligibility and service capacity associated with COVID-19 emergency funding. Access services through Senior LinkAge Line or Disablity Hub.
Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or https://seniorlinkageline.com/ and HelpOlderAdultsMN.org
Disability Hub at 1-866-333-2566 or https://disabilityhubmn.org/
Low Income Energy Assistance Program at https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/
The Senior LinkAge Line and Disability Hub continue to be resources for APS and to refer MAARC reporters, vulnerable adults without case managers, primary support persons and informal supports for vulnerable during the COVID-19 situation. These services help identify resources and make connections with alternative services, if someone’s provider or support network has changed or temporarily stopped providing services. Resources are also available for telephone reassurance and friendly visitors to support people who are isolated during COVID-19. Service requests that do not result in a provider referral are noted to identify areas that need support to develop increased service capacity during COVID-19.
DHS Disability Services Division offers guidance on a person centered response for vulnerable adults for conflicts associated with public health and safety during COVID-19 . This guidance may be useful to APS responding to maltreatment reports in the community with similar public health issues. https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/news-initiatives-reports-workgroups/long-term-services-and-supports/news/dsd-covid-faq.jsp
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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 webpage.
Minnesota Covid-19 Response - Coronavirus Disease in Minnesota https://mn.gov/covid19/
For the latest information on MN public health recommendations, visit MDH COVID-19 webpage
DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialists (APRS) are available for case consultation dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or 651-431-2609.
Communications from DHS Adult Protection Unit regarding COVID-19 and Impacts on Adult Protective Services are collected on the DHS Adult Protection Partners and Providers web page under the "News" section.
COVID-19 Hotline:
Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
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!
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