DHS Adult Protection Newsletter - June 30, 2021

Minnesota Department of Human Services logo

DHS Adult Protection Newsletter

Adult Protection - Aging and Adult Services

dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us - (651) 431-2609

June 30, 2021


In this issue:


APRS Quick Tips

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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

LIA jurisdiction can sometimes be a sticky wicket. Reports handled by the wrong LIA can impact people's rights, hamper service response, and muddy investigations. Therefore, when a report is received by APS as the LIA, verifying LIA jurisdiction is an important first step.

APS is the correct LIA for reports where the person alleged responsible is not a staff person who works in an MDH or DHS licensed facility or service, or the vulnerable adult is neglecting needs not under the responsibility of a licensed provider. The person alleged responsible is often a friend, family, neighbor, or stranger. 

All situations are not simple, however. Additional resources are handy when there are LIA jurisdiction questions. One place to look is the Minnesota Adult Protection Policy & Procedure Manual. Pages 23-24 in the manual outline LIA Jurisdiction. Another option is to call the other LIA in question. Cooperation across agencies is necessary for the protection of vulnerable adults in Minnesota. And finally, you can always call your APRS to consult! We are happy to walk through challenging cases to help determine LIA jurisdiction.


APS Data Trends

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 graphic below, titled "Statewide Allegations, CY20," identifies the total allegations statewide for each type of allegation (Neglect self, Neglect caregiver, Financial exploitation not fiduciary, Financial exploitation fiduciary, Abuse sexual, Abuse physical, and Abuse emotional or mental). The chart also shows the percentage of total allegations statewide under the categories of Neglect, Financial exploitation, and Abuse.

Statewide allegations chart for CY2020

Data Source: DHS Data Warrehouse, 4/5/2021


Adult Protection Training and Events

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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. 

Upcoming Sessions

  • 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29 - 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.
  • 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30 - 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.


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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