What happens when the department receives a referral of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult?

Referrals are evaluated by Centralized Intake and go through a review process to ensure they meet criteria outlined in law and policy prior to assignment. Through this review process referrals are assigned, transferred to other agencies or denied for investigation.

What happens if a referral gets assigned?

The referral is sent to a local MDHHS office in the county where the client resides or is located. The APS worker has 24 hours to commence the investigation by contacting someone who can provide information about the client. If that cannot be completed, the APS worker must attempt to contact the client within 24 hours either in person or by phone.

What happens during the investigation?

An APS worker will investigate the suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation, and connect the individual with support services if they choose to receive them.

APS understands that every adult has the right to self-determination; APS cannot make anyone accept help if they do not wish to receive it. APS also cannot control whether law enforcement opens an investigation. Due to APS investigations being confidential, APS may be limited in their ability to provide details of the investigation.

What happens if APS determines that a service or intervention is needed?

An APS worker works with the client to assess any safety concerns present. Often safety can be improved through direct intervention by MDHHS or referrals to community services, such as house cleaning, counseling, shelter, food assistance, etc. If this is the case, the worker will connect the client, if they choose, with the needed service(s).

Some cases require court intervention to improve client safety and stability, which may involve the APS worker filing petitions to request a guardian or conservator be appointed. This is done only when all less restrictive measures will not resolve the concerns. There are no income-related eligibility requirements for services
provided or referred by APS and will be different for every situation with the overall goal of enhanced safety and well-being of a vulnerable adult.

How long is an investigation open?

APS investigations are open as long as necessary to gather information, determine what must be done to mitigate risk, and determine who is responsible for the harm to the vulnerable adult. This is dependent on factors, including coordination with other investigative agencies, court involvement and availability of services. There is no hard deadline to close an APS investigation.