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This new toolkit from APS TARC is a resource for adult protective services administrators on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and other quality improvement strategies, including examples from state programs. CQI is a process of progressive incremental improvement of processes and client care. The toolkit includes: compilation of CQI examples, methodology resource list, sample APS policies and procedures, briefs, blogs, and webinars on quality assurance and data management.
This resource can be used by APS supervisors and program managers. DHS will be using the ACL toolkit as guidance for upcoming modifications to state policy and to further align Minnesota with updated ACL recommended guidelines.
The good news keeps coming! As noted in the January 22, 2021 APS Newsletter, the recent federal Omnibus spending and COVID-19 relief bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, includes the first federal money dedicated to adult protective services.
This first-ever funding dedicated to APS is required to be used for APS expenses associated with COVID-19 (the definition of APS is that used in the Elder Justice Act).
Grants will be distributed by the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL) to the unit of state government responsible for APS. In Minnesota that agency is DHS. The total amount of funding going to states is $93,880,000, significantly above the minimum set in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Minnesota is projected to receive a grant of $1,501,422.
The Federal Register provides additional information on requirements. The Minnesota DHS is working with ACL to identify mechanisms to apply for and administer the funds in accordance with the proposal’s requirements.
New Data Now Available! Age, race, and gender data are now available on the Vulnerable Adult Protection Dashboard. Access these new data reports by selecting the icons for Steps 1 and 2.
Data help policy makers and the public understand the nature and scope of an issue. In the case of adult protection, data provide a basis to understand if vulnerable adults are treated fairly and justly in our state. Data can impact program evaluation, benchmarks for quality and performance outcomes, budget planning and resource allocation, and inform evidenced based prevention and remediation/service response for vulnerable adults who have been maltreated.
“Without data, you're just another person with an opinion."
― W. Edwards Deming
The chart below, "APS as LIA, CY2017 - CY2020," shows statewide trending data of total reports for APS as the Lead Investigative Agency (LIA), total initial dispositions, and total substantiations.
APS Foundations
APS Foundations is intended for new adult protection workers and supervisors, or adult protection workers and supervisors seeking a foundations refresher. APS Foundations supports equity and consistency in service response and outcomes that safeguard and promote dignity for vulnerable adults, regardless of their location in Minnesota, and addresses core competency training recommendations in the ACL Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems.
APS Foundations training is offered online and consists of 4 sessions, 2 hours each, provided weekly over four consecutive weeks at the same time (8 hours total). Attendees will need to complete all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion.
New Sessions Now Available!
- 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23 - Tuesdays, 1-3 pm | Click Here to Register - Registration is for all four dates. After registering, WebEx links for each of the four sessions will be provided by DHS Adult Protection Unit.
- 5/ 6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 - Thursdays, 1-3 pm | Click Here to Register - Registration is for all four dates. After registering, WebEx links for each of the four sessions will be provided by DHS Adult Protection Unit.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
Additional Training
Find information on adult protection policy, procedure, resources, and training information for mandated reporters and APS on the DHS Adult Protection: Policies and Procedures web page. Specific training resources for APS workers are included under the "Adult protection worker resources and training" drop down. These resources support APS workers meeting education requirements under 626.557 Subd. 9e.
DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialists (APRS), Kelli and Angelo, are available to help with case consultation, policy clarification, resources, and general assistance regarding adult protection in Minnesota. Connect with your APRS today at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2609.
APRS Quick Tip:
Ever have a tricky policy question come across your desk? If so, a great place to look for answers is PolicyQuest.
Disability and Aging PolicyQuest is an online, searchable, question-and-answer library. Click the link, select "Aging Programs," and then select "Adult Protection" to search for PolicyQuest questions and answers.
Here are two recent examples of questions addressed in PolicyQuest: Can a spouse be seen as a perpetrator of financial exploitation? (12/3/20). Should we send a Notice of Finding to a Minor? (9/21/20). Follow the link and instructions above to view the answers!
Your county PolicyQuest administrator can help submit a question for review if the question is not already answered in policy or via PolicyQuest.
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Our goal for the DHS Adult Protection Newsletter is to share knowledge specific to adult protection work in Minnesota, answer common questions regarding adult protection work in Minnesota, and provide awareness of DHS Adult Protection training opportunities. Please contact us with any questions or concerns at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2609
For more information about DHS Adult Protection, please visit us online DHS AP: Program Overview
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