 We are pleased to announce that Andrea Anderson has joined the Minnesota Department of Human Services Adult Protection Unit as an Adult Protection Resource Specialist, effective Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Andrea brings extensive experience in adult protection, having served in Pine County, where she played a key role in APS assessment, planning and service interventions and in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support safety and wellbeing for adults who are vulnerable to maltreatment. Her deep understanding of APS policies and practices, along with her commitment to advocacy and systems improvement, will be invaluable to our work. Andrea’s expertise, fresh perspective, and dedication will enhance our collective efforts to support adults at risk of maltreatment.
If your agency receives a “Model Attestation” form in response to medical records requests, the form may be completed.
Adult protection agencies have authority under with Minnesota Statutes 626.557.9b to request medical records for purposes consistent Minnesota Adult Protection Policy County Duty (CD)-25 Obtaining Documents .
Agencies who receive a “Model Attestation Regarding a Requested Use or Disclosure of Protected Health Information Potentially Related to Reproductive Health Care” form in response to an APS request for release of medical information may complete this form when the purpose of the records request is consistent with state adult protection and local agency policy.
Complete the top of form based on local agency information. In the form, select attestation option “The purpose of the use or disclosure of protected heath information is not to investigate or impose liability for the mere act of seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating reproductive health care or to identify any person for such purposes”. The APS agency representative signs as the person requesting PHI. The APS agency is not signing as a representative of the APS client, so the signature line under the representative statement is left blank.
For questions on adult protection policy: dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us
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3,393 inquiries answered - Members of the public, mandated reporters, providers, law enforcement, counties and tribe APS received response to inquiries related to maltreatment reporting and the state’s system for protection of vulnerable adults.
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12 eLearning modules launched -The Minnesota Adult Protection Foundations eLearning series was released to provide on-demand policy training for counties and tribal nations, supporting the onboarding of new workers.
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2 intake assessment training courses released –The MN APS SDM® Intake Assessment Training eLearning courses were developed for APS workers and supervisors to improve understanding of APS eligibility, ensuring statewide consistency and equity in outcomes for adults referred to APS.
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39 regional meetings held – More than 800 county and tribal APS workers participated in regional meetings focused on policy, equity, consistency, and person-centered outcomes for adults referred to APS.
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85 counties engaged in supervisor meetings – APS supervisors representing 85 counties participated in meetings designed to strengthen policy implementation, promote equity, and improve consistency in services for vulnerable adults.
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9 newsletters and 28 single-topic communications delivered – Hundreds of county subscribers received policy and practice updates, achieving a 31% open rate—exceeding national standards.
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175 hours of education provided – Training sessions reached 3,117 national and local attendees, including APS professionals, advocates, case managers, care coordinators, and service providers.
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We are excited to introduce iSpring, the new MN Adult Protection learning management system (LMS). iSpring is a LMS software application that manages and delivers training content and tracks training information. This dedicated MN APS training space will allow on-demand access across the state to current MN Adult Protection self-paced eLearning training courses (12 APS Foundations courses and MN APS SDM Intake Assessment Training courses) as well as additional future training content.
How to complete iSpring registration and enroll in a course:
- Select the link below and fill out the simple sign-up form https://mndhsadultprotection.ispring.com/signup/gkpwu2wmj45JbMZDXBOB1jiJSqA
- Select the “Catalog” tab to view the available courses
- Click a course title you are interested in and select “Add to ‘My Courses’” to enroll
- The “My Courses” tab will list all enrolled courses; select a course to begin!
MN Adult Protection training courses support equity and consistency in service response and outcomes that safeguard and promote dignity for adults who are vulnerable, regardless of their location in Minnesota. The training courses support APS professionals meeting education requirements under 626.557 Subd. 9e (8 hours annual training specific to adult protection duties).
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
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Evident Change and DHS provided a live webinar on 1/7/25. The webinar included a comprehensive overview of the SDM Strengths and Needs Assessment (SNA) project, details about the updated SDM SNA, and information on the next steps for implementation. The recording of the webinar is now available for viewing at https://vimeo.com/1044823175?share=copy#t=0
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APS Performance Measure Update:
Thank you to counties for your efforts in setting 2025 performance goals to enhance consistency and equity in APS. These goals reflect your commitment to safeguarding adults and addressing maltreatment risks through assessment, service planning, and interventions.
DHS is pleased to extend MAD’s support through September 30, 2025. MAD will provide quarterly data reports to help counties track progress, identify trends, and support both local and statewide goals. DHS and MAD will collaborate to address counties’ requests for technical assistance in overcoming barriers to achieving performance targets.
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Question: Can APS respond to referrals from MAARC when the Adult or Person Alleged Responsible(PAR) is “Unknown”?
Answer: Yes
Unknown Adult
When a MAARC report lists the adult suspected to be vulnerable and maltreated as “Unknown,” APS must make diligent efforts to determine the adult’s identity.
During intake, APS may contact individuals who have knowledge about the alleged maltreatment, the adult’s vulnerability, or the adult’s identity. The SDM® intake assessment determines whether the report meets criteria for APS assessment, even if the adult’s identity is unknown, based on available information such as:
- Disabilities
- Need for assistance
- Receipt of services
- Description of the incident
- Allegations
- Impact and effects
If the SDM® intake assessment determines the adult meets APS criteria and APS believes further assessment may assist in identifying the adult, the case should be accepted.
If the identity of the adult who has been accepted for APS assessment remains unknown, the case should be closed with the final determination: “No determination – investigation not possible.”
Unknown PAR
The SDM® intake assessment also determines whether a case meets APS criteria when the PAR is unknown. During assessment, APS may gather information to identify the PAR, but in some cases, such as financial exploitation by scammers, identification may not be possible. In these situations, APS services are provided to the adult, and a maltreatment determination can still be made.
Questions?
For more information, contact the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
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MN Adult Protection training courses support equity and consistency in service response and outcomes that safeguard and promote dignity for adults who are vulnerable, regardless of their location in Minnesota. Many of the following training opportunities support APS professionals meeting education requirements under 626.557 Subd. 9e (8 hours annual training specific to adult protection duties).
DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialist (APRS)
DHS Adult Protection Resource Specialist (APRS) staff support adult protection workers and supervisors with policy clarification and case consultation regarding intake, assessment, service intervention, and assessment outcomes for the safety and dignity of adults vulnerable to maltreatment and reported as having experienced maltreatment.
Connect with an APRS today at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2609.
MN Adult Protection Learning Management System and eLearning Courses
iSpring, the new MN Adult Protection learning management system (LMS), is a software application that manages and delivers training content and tracks training information. This dedicated MN APS training space will allow on-demand access across the state to current and future MN Adult Protection self-paced eLearning training courses.
How to complete iSpring registration and enroll in a course:
- Select the link below and fill out the simple sign-up form https://mndhsadultprotection.ispring.com/signup/gkpwu2wmj45JbMZDXBOB1jiJSqA
- Select the “Catalog” tab to view the available courses
- Click a course title you are interested in and select “Add to ‘My Courses’” to enroll
- The “My Courses” tab will list all enrolled courses; select a course to begin!
Self-paced eLearning courses available in iSpring include 12 Adult Protection Foundations courses and two MN APS SDM Intake Assessment Training courses. Additional training content will be added as developed. (Please note, the 12 Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses are prerequisite for the MN Adult Protection Foundations: Live Training).
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
MN Adult Protection Foundations: Live Training
MN Adult Protection Foundations: Live Training is a 3-hour interactive online training facilitated by MN DHS Adult Protection Unit staff. The course reviews case examples and practical scenarios in order to apply foundational statutory definitions and MN state adult protection policy principles covered in the 12 Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses. The 12 Foundations eLearning courses are prerequisite for the MN Adult Protection Foundations: Live Training
Click a link below to register for a MN Adult Protection Foundations: Live Training
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
Vulnerable Adult Protection Dashboard
The Vulnerable Adult Protection Dashboard provides annual state and county data on the number of reports, allegations, and investigation determinations to explain what happens after reports of suspected maltreatment are made to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC).
SSIS Essentials eLearning
SSIS Essentials eLearning is a collection of six courses that provide an introduction to basic navigation and functionality of core SSIS functions. SSIS Essentials eLearning is offered through TrainLink. Please visit the SSIS Essentials eLearning website for registration and TrainLink instructions, technical requirements, and more information about each of the courses.
SSIS Adult Protection Worker Training
The SSIS Adult Protection Worker course is a technical training that provides an overview of data entry in SSIS as related to APS. The training is offered in two half-day virtual classes and is designed for new adult protection workers, SSIS Mentors, and those seeking a refresher. Please visit the SSIS Adult Protection Worker Training website for available training dates, registration instructions, and more detailed information about the course.
National Adult Protective Services Training Center (NATC)
The National Adult Protective Services Training Center (NATC) provides free self-paced eLearning courses for adult protection professionals nationwide. NATC course topics include Ethics, Values, and Cultural Responsiveness; Trauma-Informed Practices; Case Documentation; and more.
To access NATC eLearning courses, create a free account and click "Find Courses" to view available courses. Check out the NATC LMS User Guide (PDF) if you need help creating an account or navigating the website.
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APS Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC)
APS TARC provides a variety of free educational opportunities for adult protection professionals including podcasts, webinars, briefs, and toolkits. APS TARC offerings address a wide variety of topics including ethics, frauds and scams, interviews with experts, implicit bias, trauma informed practice, and more. Keep up to date with APS TARC offerings by joining their mailing list, and check out the APS TARC YouTube page for additional content.
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The DHS Adult Protection Newsletter shares knowledge specific to adult protection work in MN, answers common questions regarding adult protection work in MN, and provides awareness of DHS Adult Protection training opportunities. The DHS Adult Protection newsletter archive includes 12 months of past newsletters. Please contact us with any questions at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2609
For more information, visit us online at DHS Adult Protection: Program Overview
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