NEWS RELEASE

Date: Nov. 15, 2004
Contact: Stephanie Goodman or Jennifer Harris (512) 424-6951

Adult Protective Services Reform Plan Reduces Caseloads

AUSTIN – A final report on the state's Adult Protective Services program outlines a $34.1 million reform plan to reduce caseloads, strengthen training and management, and deploy new technology to provide caseworkers with instant access to a client's records while in the field.

Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick have approved $12.8 million in expenditures for fiscal year 2005 to begin immediate implementation of the reform plan. The funding will allow Adult Protective Services to deploy new technology and add 24 specialized staff to provide expertise in dealing with financial exploitation, judicial affairs and self-neglect.

“We appreciate the support we've received from state leadership and our community partners as we've worked to strengthen the state's Adult Protective Services program,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. “Our reform plan will provide immediate support to our frontline caseworkers and improve the protection of our seniors and Texans with disabilities.”

The implementation plan was developed after an April executive order by Gov. Perry directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to “oversee the systemic reform of the Adult Protective Services program.” Adult Protective Services is a division of the Department of Family and Protective Services, which falls under the oversight of HHSC.

As part of the reform effort, HHSC is moving the state's guardianship program from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Department of Aging and Disability Services. This move freed up 57 positions that will be used to add 50 caseworkers and seven supervisors to the Adult Protective Services program. The additional staff will lower average daily caseloads from 35 to 30 per caseworker.

The reform plan recommends adding an additional 63 caseworkers over the next biennium – for a total of 144 new caseworkers by fiscal year 2007.  The additional caseworkers would represent a 32 percent increase in three years over the agency's current 446 caseworkers and would reduce caseloads to 28 per worker by fiscal year 2007.

The plan also calls for spending $4.6 million this fiscal year to deploy mobile technology to support caseworkers in the field. Access to Tablet PCs, telemedicine, and digital cameras will allow caseworkers to more efficiently assess a client's situation and determine what services are needed. An additional $150,000 will be used this year to expand the capacity of local guardianship programs.

“The Office of Inspector General and our policy staff have conducted an exhaustive study of our Adult Protective Services program,” Hawkins said. “The end result is a reform plan that clarifies policy, improves training and strengthens oversight and support of local offices.”

HHSC already has taken several key actions that will enhance the protection of the elderly and those with disabilities:

• The five-question tool used by Adult Protective Services to gauge a client's mental capacity is being replaced by a comprehensive assessment that examines a client's living conditions, financial status, medical status, mental status, and social interaction and support. The new assessment tool, which includes 57 items, is being tested and will be implemented statewide in 2005.
• Training has been enhanced through $1.5 million provided by Gov. Perry through the Texas Workforce Commission. The training combines supervised field experience with computer-based and classroom training.
• Key management changes have been implemented, and Adult Protective Services is moving from a five-district structure to nine regions. This will improve oversight and support of local offices. Directors for each region are being hired and new positions have been allocated to the nine regions.

The complete report on Adult Protective Services is available on the Internet at www.hhs.state.tx.us.

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