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On July 1st the Minnesota Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) online reporting form will be sporting a new look and a new option for online reporting by the public between 9pm-7am. Starting July 1st all callers to MAARC will be provided the web address and referred to report online after 9pm and before 7am.
The updated form supports reporters by using:
- Clean modern lay-out
- Plain language
- Improved navigation
- Enhanced accessibility
The July 1st report form improvements are the first phase in a project approved in 2023 by the legislature and Governor for opening online reporting to the public and modernizing the technical system used by MAARC. User experience consultants from Minnesota State IT (MNIT) have been testing the new form with mandated reporters and the public to support usability for all. Many thanks to our partners, including county agencies, who participated in this testing.
DHS and MNIT will evaluate outcomes from public use of the online reporting form during limited hours. Additional enhancements to the online reporting experience are planned to support expansion in hours for online reporting by the public in the future.
Minnesota Revalidate 2026 is an urgent statewide effort being conducted by DHS, the State’s Medicaid Agency, to re-validate the license of providers who are enrolled and approved by DHS to claim payments from Medical Assistance. Revalidation is to ensure providers of services identified as at high risk for fraud meet state and federal payment requirements. Revalidation is also required under a Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Corrective Action Plan (CAP). DHS had strict timelines to complete revalidation which must be followed to prevent the withholding of up to 2 billion dollars from Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Revalidation is one of many efforts underway to ensure Medicaid program integrity and stop fraud.
DHS is working with county lead agencies to provide information on providers and adults impacted and to support continuity of care planning for adults who are vulnerable to neglect if their provider is not revalidated. DHS is also sharing information with lead agencies through AASD and DSD elist announcements and using weekly meetings with providers and lead agencies respectively. Every lead agency has a person identified as the contact for communications from DHS for Minnesota Revalidate. The agency’s contact can provide information for APS supervisors and managers to plan for potential impacts for adults who may lose services and to support coordination with case managers for maltreatment reports alleging neglect as a result of their provider not being revalidated.
For more Information: Minnesota Revalidate 2026: Find Care / Minnesota Department of Human Services
Sign up for Aging and Disability Services elist announcements: Minnesota Department of Human Services
June is Elder Justice Awareness Month, and Mary Lazare, Principal Deputy Administrator with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), wrote a piece on the ACL Blog titled, "Protecting Older Adults Is Everyone's Job".
It is no surprise to APS professionals that scams and fraud are a growing issue in our communities and cause negative impacts to adults who are vulnerable, such as loss of income or savings. One section of the post is titled "Connection is the Best Protection," and APS shines in making these connections!
Strong communities are the frontline defense against elder abuse. Regular social connection reduces isolation, increases the chances that warning signs are noticed early, and ensures older adults have people they can turn to when something feels off.
Simple actions carry real weight: checking in regularly with an older neighbor or relative, talking openly about scams, helping someone verify a suspicious call or message, or sharing trusted local resources. Supporting family caregivers matters too — caregiver stress and burnout are known risk factors for neglect and abuse, and communities that show up for caregivers are ultimately protecting the people they care for.
Awareness and education are powerful tools. When older adults know what scams look like and feel confident recognizing warning signs, they're far better equipped to protect themselves. When families, neighbors, and financial professionals know what to watch for, abuse is more likely to be caught and stopped early.
In APS, we work with adults in assessment to help identify underlying factors of maltreatment, help them recognize that what happened was not their fault, and explore options for stopping, preventing, and reducing future risk of maltreatment. Support may include education, financial management assistance, legal services, help from family or community, transaction holds, coordination with a multidisciplinary team, or working with state or federal law enforcement. APS has a variety of interventions to help protect adults who are vulnerable and support justice for adults!
This June celebrate the critical role APS plays in our communities to protect older adults and adults with disabilities.
In recognition of Elder Justice Awareness Month, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) is hosting a series of free webinars focused on awareness, prevention and coordinated response to elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. The webinars use a federal focus, so may not align completely with Minnesota’s Vulnerable Adult Act, but are great resource for APS and to share with your Adult Protection Multidisciplinary Teams.
June topics include a toolkit for law enforcement and EMS when responding to issues in long-term care facilities, communication strategies to promote recovery and reduce adults being repeat scam victims, and interdisciplinary approaches to prevent maltreatment.
Expert-led sessions will cover a range of topics, including:
- From Frontline Training to Legal Innovation: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Prevent Elder Mistreatment – Tuesday, June 23, at 2:00 p.m.
- Civil Legal Interventions in Elder Abuse – Thursday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m.
- Money Smart for Older Adults: Fraud Prevention Webinar – Tuesday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and attend the webinars.
More information on dates and times and for a link to join: EJCC | Events
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MN Adult Protection Foundations live training is a 3-hour interactive online training facilitated by MN DHS Adult Protection Unit staff. The course uses case examples and practical scenarios to apply foundational statutory definitions and MN state adult protection policy principles covered in the Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses. A minimum of six registrants needed for the training to occur.
The Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses are prerequisite for this training.
Click the link below to sign up for the June MN Adult Protection Foundations training:
Looking for adult protection training content? Check out the MN Adult Protection Recommended Training Plan. The training plan includes important adult protection concepts, statues, and principles, and supports equity and consistency in service response and outcomes that safeguard and promote dignity for adults who are vulnerable, regardless of their location in Minnesota.
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
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Reports Involving Adults in Correctional Facilities
APS conducts intake activities and screens the report using the SDM® intake assessment tool. APS, as the lead investigative agency, has authority under MN Statute 626.557 Subd. 9b. to apply their established agency prioritization guidelines to override the policy screening decision. APS’ screening decision, including the use of an agency prioritization guideline, is documented within the SDM® intake assessment tool. If APS’ screening process determines the adult who meets policy criteria will not be accepted for APS response, but the agency is aware of another support for the incarcerated adult, APS should refer the reporter to the entity who may assist, such as the Inspection, Enforcement & Licensing / Department of Corrections or the Office of the Ombudsman for Corrections.
Questions? Please connect with 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 contribute to 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 Recommended Training Plan
The MN Adult Protection Recommended Training Plan introduces new adult protection professionals to important adult protection concepts, statues, and principles, and supports 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 recommended training plan contributes to successful onboarding for new APS professionals, as well as help APS professionals meet statutorily required education requirements, 8 hours annual training specific to adult protection duties (626.557 Subd. 9e).
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
DHS Adult Protection Newsletters
The DHS Adult Protection Newsletter is a monthly statewide communication from the DHS Adult Protection Unit that shares information specific to adult protection work in Minnesota, answers common questions, and provides updates and information on training opportunities. The DHS Adult Protection newsletter archive, under the "Help With" section, includes 12 months of past newsletters.
Please email DHS Adult Protection at dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us to request inclusion on the APS mailing list.
MN Adult Protection Learning Management System and eLearning Courses
The MN Adult Protection learning management system (LMS), iSpring, is an application that manages and delivers training content. This dedicated MN Adult Protection LMS provides on-demand, self-paced eLearning courses for APS professionals across the state. Content includes foundational eLearning courses, Cultural Responsiveness Diversity Information Sheets, and more.
Complete the following steps to access the MN Adult Protection eLearning courses:
- Register for iSpring by selecting the iSpring registration link and filling out the sign-up form
- Select the “Catalog” tab to view the available courses
- To enroll in a course, click a course title and select “Add to My Courses”
- The “My Courses” tab will list all enrolled courses; select a course to begin!
Already registered for iSpring? Select the iSpring login link to access MN Adult Protection trainings.
Questions? Please connect with the DHS Adult Protection Unit at (651) 431-2609 or dhs.adultprotection@state.mn.us.
MN Adult Protection Foundations eLearning Courses
Foundations eLearning courses address core competency training recommendations in the ACL Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems and align with Minnesota state adult protection policy. Foundations eLearning courses include: What is Adult Protection in Minnesota?; MAARC Functions and Duties; APS Intake; MN APS SDM® Trainings; APS Assessment; Engagement Strategies; and more. Check out the MN Adult Protection Recommended Training Plan for a full list of Foundations eLearning courses and directions for accessing the content in the MN Adult Protection learning management system (LMS), iSpring.
*Please note, the Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses are prerequisite for the MN Adult Protection Foundations Live Training
MN Adult Protection Foundations Live Training
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 Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses. A minimum of six registrants needed for each training to occur.
***Please note, the Adult Protection Foundations eLearning courses are prerequisite for the MN Adult Protection Foundations Live training
Click a link below and select the desired date 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.
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, under the "Help With" section, includes 12 months of past newsletters. Please contact us with any questions or to sign up for the newsletter 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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