Zooming Out: APS Worker Perspectives on Macro Challenges in Intake

Adult Protective Services (APS) is crucial in addressing reports of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. APS reports have surged recently thus enhancing APS systems, is vital to effectively identifying and intervening in maltreatment cases. This qualitative evaluation utilized focus group methods to solicit caseworker and supervisor perspectives on system-level intake challenges and resources/strategies to improve APS intake/screening. Key challenges included limited federal and state resources, under-developed MIS systems, inconsistent policy guidance, and impractical risk assessment tools. Addressing these issues through enhanced resources, better training, improved policy frameworks, and collaborative efforts can significantly strengthen APS's ability to protect vulnerable adults.