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Variability in findings from adult protective services investigations of elder abuse in California
- Authors:
- MOSQUEDA Laura, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work, 13(1), 2016, pp.34-44.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Adult Protective Services (APS) workers in California investigate complaints of elder abuse and must determine the validity of a complaint with minimal guidelines. It is unclear whether APS workers reach similar conclusions given cases with similar circumstances. To assess variation in case findings and reasons for them, the research analysed data from monthly reports of completed investigations, and investigation outcomes from all 58 California counties from September 2004 to August 2005, telephone interviews with 54 of 58 counties, and site visits to 17 counties. Data from 2004-2005 was also compared with more recent data from 2013. Large variability was found from county to county in the proportions of cases found to be conclusive, inconclusive, and unfounded. The combined analyses revealed significant differences in how individual APS workers interpret definitions of different types of case outcomes, varying skill and experience of the APS workers, individual and county agency factors, and other reasons that influence variability in case findings. Widespread inconsistencies in the outcomes of elder abuse investigations raise issues to be addressed on multiple levels, including the use of APS data for developing policy, standardising training of APS workers, and seeking just outcomes for the victims of elder abuse. (Edited publisher abstract)
Victim, allegation, and investigation characteristics associated with substantiated reports of sexual abuse of adults in residential care settings
- Authors:
- ABNER Erin L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(19), 2019, pp.3995-4019.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of investigations of sexual abuse concerning vulnerable adults residing in facility settings that were associated with case substantiation. Data on 410 reports of sexual abuse were collected prospectively from Adult Protective Services (APS) and state licensure agency staff in New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin over a six-month period. Specifically, the study examined differences between reports that were substantiated and those that were not by comparing characteristics of alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and aspects of investigation using logistic regression. It found that a relatively low proportion of cases (18%) were substantiated overall. Compared to cases that were not substantiated, cases that were substantiated were more likely to feature nursing home residents, older victims, female victims, and allegations of physical contact between the alleged perpetrator and victim. Despite the high proportion of alleged perpetrators who were facility staff (51%) compared to resident perpetrators (25%), cases with resident-to-resident allegations of abuse were much more likely to be substantiated, accounting for 63% of substantiated cases. In light of these findings, the authors believe it is important that investigators are trained to handle sexual abuse cases appropriately and that they are able to investigate the case thoroughly, promptly, and with as much information as possible. It is also critical that investigators make substantiation decisions using the appropriate standard for confirmation (e.g., preponderance of the evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt, clear and convincing evidence) as state law dictates. (Edited publisher abstract)
An ecological systems examination of elder abuse: a week in the life of adult protective services
- Authors:
- WANGMO Tenzin, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 26(5), 2014, pp.440-457.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model, this study examined allegations of elder abuse made to Kentucky Adult Protective Services (APS) during a one week period and the investigation that followed, in order to understand how APS addressed the needs of abused elders. This enabled the study to focus on the individual characteristics of affected older adults and the response to them through the lens of four nested systems: the microsystem (e.g., the allegedly abused elder); the mesosystem (e.g., family, neighbours, faith community); (c) the exosystem (e.g., APS, law enforcement); and the macrosystem (e.g., broad norms about ageing, responses to abuse, deservingness) Elder abuse allegations made to APS during the study week were collected using 3 study tools. Allegations and resulting investigations were analysed. During the study week, APS received 1,002 calls alleging elder abuse. Of these, 483 were categorized as reports needing protective services, with 177 reports screened in for investigation and 167 actually investigated. Results describe characteristics of abuse calls, investigations, victims, perpetrators, and total investigation times. Substantiation ratio, recidivism, and whether investigation increased or decreased the risk of abuse were also assessed. An examination of APS casework through the lens of nested systems frames the study findings and discussion. Such an examination has the potential to improve the quality of services provided to older adults. (Edited publisher abstract)
Protection of vulnerable adults monitoring report 2008-2009
- Author:
- CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES INSPECTORATE WALES
- Publisher:
- Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 27p.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
This report sets out significant data collated by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) for the year ending 31 March 2009 in relation to allegations of abuse against adults. This includes data collected by local authority social services and also information about adult abuse in regulated services collected directly by CSSIW. The report provides an analysis of the information and a description of trends, concerns and achievements, and considers what the data indicates about the state of adult protection services in Wales. In 2008-09 there continued to be a regional approach to adult protection in Wales, with the 4 adult protection forums working to separate sets of policies and procedures. The effort to achieve greater consistence of monitoring and data collection remains a priority for local authorities. The findings show that the ‘typical’ adult abuse scenario remains very similar to that described in previous years. The most common victims of alleged abuse were older women, followed by with people with learning disability. Most alleged victims lived in their own homes in the community. Physical abuse was the most commonly referred concern, followed by neglect. Staff made up the largest category of person alleged to be responsible for the abuse (38%) followed by relatives (29%). The findings indicate that more needs to be done to respond effectively to abuse.
Protection of vulnerable adults monitoring report 2009-2010
- Author:
- CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES INSPECTORATE WALES
- Publisher:
- Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 24p.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
This report sets out significant data collated by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) for the year ending 31 March 2010 in relation to allegations of abuse against adults. It provides an analysis of the information and a description of trends, concerns and achievements, and considers what the data indicates about the state of adult protection services in Wales. There continues to be a regional approach to adult protection in Wales, with the 4 adult protection forums working to separate sets of policies and procedures. In 2009-10 the forums have worked closely together to produce draft all-Wales policies and procedures for adult protection which are due to be launched early in 2011. The data was for this report was collected from local authorities either by using a database system which records the details of individual referrals or by supplying data on a pre-defined form. The findings show that the ‘typical’ adult abuse scenario remains very similar to that described in previous years. The most common victims of alleged abuse were older women, followed by with people with learning disability. Most alleged victims lived in their own homes in the community. Physical abuse was the most commonly referred concern, followed by neglect. Staff made up the largest category of person alleged to be responsible for the abuse (42%) followed by relatives (27%). The findings indicate that more needs to be done to respond effectively to abuse.
Neglect of older people in formal care settings part two: new perspectives on investigation and factors determining whether neglect has taken place
- Authors:
- PHAIR Lynne, HEATH Hazel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 12(4), November 2010, pp.6-15.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Different approaches and levels of health-focused investigations can be used to achieve different outcomes. Investigations need to be appropriate for, and proportionate to, the concern identified, and should be carried out by people with the skills to look as widely and objectively as possible. This paper categorises different types of health-focused safeguarding investigations and offers suggestions, particularly relevant to nurse investigators, on how an investigation can be approached. Suggestions are offered on how to conduct an investigation, where to find information, how to conduct interviews, writing a report and giving a professional opinion. Criteria for determining whether neglect has taken place in a formal care setting are offered, alongside examples of how these have been applied in practice. The paper concludes with consideration of actions that can be taken following an investigation and some reflections on the experience of professions involved in safeguarding.
Investigating British general practitioners' knowledge and experience of elder abuse: report of a research study in an Inner London Borough
- Authors:
- McCREADIE C., BENNETT G., TINKER A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 9(3), 1998, pp.21-39.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Despite the involvement of the medical profession in drawing attention to elder abuse, no research has been conducted in Britain about their experience with the problem. This article is based on a study undertaken in 1996 in inner London borough of Tower Hamlets. All general medical practitioners (GPs) working in the community were asked about their knowledge and experience of elder abuse. One particular aspect of the study is described, both for its methodological interest and for its findings. It involved asking respondents about twenty situations of suspected elder abuse; over three quarters of those surveyed had an older patient in at least one of these situations.
The Commissioner's view: a summary of the responses to Home truths
- Author:
- COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
- Publisher:
- Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report summarises responses received from the Relevant Authorities to the recommendations made following the investigation into Dunmurry Manor Care Home in Belfast. The recommendations aimed to address the serious and systemic failures that had permitted inhuman and degrading treatment of older people. It presents responses under the nine themes of: Safeguarding and human rights; Care and treatment; Medicines management; The environment and environmental cleanliness; Regulation and inspection; Staff skills, training and development; Management and leadership; Complaints and communication; and Accountability and governance. Whilst the majority of the recommendations from the report ‘Home Truths’ have been accepted, the Commissioner is frustrated at the pace of change. The Commissioner particularly highlights continuing concerns about the effectiveness of the handling of complaints at local and regional level. (Edited publisher abstract)
The sexual victimization of older women living in nursing homes
- Authors:
- TEASTER Pamela B., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 27(4/5), 2015, pp.392-409.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study examined 64 cases of sexual victimisation of women ages 65+ (mean = 81) living in facilities that were investigated by Adult Protective Services (APS) and regulatory agencies in five states over a six-month period. Typically, abuse involved molestation (53%) and unwelcome sexual interest in the body (20%). Abilities and needs of women in substantiated and unsubstantiated cases were comparable. Resident perpetrators were more likely to be substantiated than staff or any other perpetrator (p = 0.008). The results underscore the need to evaluate differences associated with gender, age, and residence, and to train on reporting and intervention by disciplines serving victims. (Edited publisher abstract)
Post-abuse training for staff working with adults at risk
- Authors:
- BROWN Hilary, AYLETT Jay
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 150p.
- Place of publication:
- Hove
This training resource is designed to inform multidisciplinary staff working with at-risk adults (including social workers and managers, police, and housing officers) about the work that should be carried out after an investigation into abuse is completed. The 3-day training course uses 12 case studies to examine issues of vulnerability, risk and planning safeguards giving equal focus to the victim, the perpetrator and the service. Participants will: assess the nature of interventions required for the victim, perpetrator and the service system; separate out issues of risk; examine the organisational and individual factors that predispose an individual or service to abusive behaviour; use the law appropriately to deliver safeguards and sanctions; locate and brief services to provide support and treatment to those affected by abuse; and learn about working with the criminal justice system, regulators and enforcement agencies to ensure robust safeguards are in place. The pack contains printed material including PowerPoint slides with trainer notes, letter templates, case studies, template plans, and ranking exercises on card. There is also a CD-Rom containing copies of all the resources and the PowerPoint presentations.