In-Home Investigations and Services

APS is responsible for investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities. In-home APS serves persons who are aged 65 or older or, if age 18-65, have a disability, and reside in the community (e.g., private homes, adult foster homes, unlicensed board and care homes, etc.).

Investigation and Assessment

APS caseworkers investigate reported abuse, neglect, or exploitation to determine if the reported situation does exist and to what extent it adversely affects the elderly person or an adult with disabilities.

The caseworker must initiate an investigation of all reports within 24 hours of receipt of the report by the department. The initiation of the investigation allows the caseworker to gain further knowledge of the situation and determine whether immediate intervention is required.

Initiation (also known as the 24-hour contact) is defined as a contact with a person who has current and reliable information about the situation.

APS staff investigate in nursing homes only when a resident is alleged to be financially exploited by someone outside the facility
Persons under the age of 18 may be served if they have disabilities and have been declared to be legal adults through court order or marriage

The caseworker completes a comprehensive assessment of the alleged victim's situation. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the alleged victim's situation and needs. The assessment process enables the caseworker to identify and address root causes of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Services

When reports are confirmed on cases in the community and protective services are appropriate, APS caseworkers provide or arrange for services to alleviate or prevent further maltreatment. Services may be provided directly by caseworkers, through arrangements with other community resources, or purchased by APS on a short-term, emergency basis.

Types of services provided include, but are not limited to, the following:

Financial assistance for rent and utility restoration
Social services
Health services
Referrals to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) for guardianship services
Referrals to other state or community services

According to the Human Resources Code (HRC), Chapter 48, the protective services client has the right to:

refuse protective services, unless he or she is suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, presenting a threat to life or physical safety and lacks the capacity to consent to receive protective services
receive the full protection and safety that APS can provide
participate in and be consulted about all decisions concerning his or her welfare, if able to do so
select the least restrictive of the alternatives available for meeting his or her needs
refuse medical treatment if it conflicts with his or her established religious beliefs and practices
have a court-appointed attorney ad-litem to represent his or her interests at any proceeding arising pursuant to Chapter 48, HRC

Portrait of an In-Home Client

(all names in this scenario are fictitious):

Mrs. Gregg was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured left eye due to untreated glaucoma. Her hair was matted and her clothes were soiled. She had sores on her legs and her toenails were so long they curved over and under her feet. Mrs. Gregg lived with a daughter who had a history of mental illness. APS found that their home was infested with roaches and cluttered with trash inside and out. A nephew, who was representative payee, was grossly exploiting both mother and daughter. APS arranged, through other state and community agencies, home-delivered meals, in-home care, ongoing medical treatment and direct deposit of the clients' social security checks, and for the daughter to be taught to write checks and manage money.