Adult Protective Services and their Response to Individuals with Disabilities

• In Event: Where Disability and Life Course Criminology Intersect

Abstract

Adult Protective Services (APS) is integral in investigating cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults with a disability who have some type of substantial impairment that prevents them from conducting activities of daily living. APS workers nevertheless have discretion throughout the investigation process and must interact directly with individuals with disabilities who are suspected victims of abuse to substantiate allegations and identify what services are needed. In the current study we explore how APS workers accommodate individuals with a disability during the investigation process. We do this through interviews and focus groups conducted with 22 APS workers from across the United States. Overall, APS workers noted the need to slow down and use supports when working with clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They nevertheless transfer many clients to forensic interviews, often housed in child advocacy centers. There appears to be an opportunity to develop and leverage simple communication supports for APS workers and consider the need for policy updates to systematically support individuals who may benefit from the already often used forensic interviews in these situations. It would also be beneficial for APS workers to receive training on interviewing methods when working with people with IDD.

Authors

• Brittany E. Hayes, University of Cincinnati

• Ráchael Powers, University of Cincinnati

• Amanda K. Simmons, University of Cincinnati

• Leigh Anne McKingsley, The Arc