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1389 more adults referred as vulnerable and maltreated were accepted for APS assessment in 2024 as compared to 2023. This represents a year over year increase of 2% and moves the statewide acceptance rate closer to the 2025 goal of 31%.
These outcomes reflect the deep dedication and hard work of APS professionals across the state and are a HUGE win for the safety and dignity of adults referred for APS.
DHS Adult Protection recently presented at the Administration for Community Living (ACL’s) Older American’s Act Federal Title VI Regional and National Technical Assistance Conferences. DHS partnered with the International Association for Indigenous Aging IA2 alongside our tribal partners who administer APS programs in Minnesota. Title VI Older American Act funding supports services for older American Indians, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiians. DHS and our partners modeled the Government-to-Government approach used between state agencies and Sovereign Tribal Nations in Minnesota to support Tribal APS programs.
The presentation emphasized our collaborative efforts to promote equity and strengthen Tribal capacity to deliver culturally appropriate services for adults who are vulnerable and experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
DHS leveraged a combination of grants from the state’s federal Coronavirus Relief and Response Act (CRRSA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support Tribal Nations to develop and enhance adult protective services. DHS is currently partnering with 9 of the 11 federally recognized Tribes in Minnesota to support outcomes for adults meeting criteria under Tribal code and resolution for adult protective services.
Outcomes from this Government-to-Government approach are due to the dedication of Tribal Governments and Health and Human Services leaders. Tribal APS programs had access to support from Aniwahya Consulting and IA2 to develop or revise adult protection codes, evaluate program needs and enhance their ability to respond to maltreatment with person-centered, culturally appropriate, service interventions for members of their community.
This presentation was a true testament to how partnership supports the Adult Protective Services Operational Plan’s vision that all adults who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation are supported to live in safety and dignity, consistent with their own culture, values, and goals, and so people concerns about them have resources for support.
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SDM® Intake Tool a 1:1 Relationship
Only one SDM® intake tool should be completed for each MAARC referral received by the agency as LIA.
If following initial completion of the intake tool, the screening decision needs to be changed based on a decision to remove or change agency prioritization, or additional information obtained, the original tool should be updated to reflect the final screening decision. A new tool is not needed in the same intake workgroup.
The ability to make necessary changes to the tool is available until the tool is finalized in SSIS or the intake workgroup is closed. Finalization of the tool should not occur until a final screening decision is reached, or supervisor approval is completed, if applicable.
Once a final screening decision has been made, the “Agency Report Action” should be entered consistent with the tool’s “Tool Screening Decision” or “Agency Screening Decision”, if applicable.
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
The MN Adult Protection learning management system (LMS), iSpring, is a software application that manages and delivers training content and tracks training information. This dedicated MN Adult Protection LMS provides on-demand, self-paced eLearning courses for APS professionals across the state.
How to complete iSpring registration and enroll in a course:
- Select the iSpring link and fill out the simple sign-up form
- Select the “Catalog” tab to view the available courses
- Click a course title and select “Add to My Courses” to enroll
- The “My Courses” tab will list all enrolled courses; select a course to begin!
Available MN Adult Protection LMS eLearning courses 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, 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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