STATE DISSEMINATION OF ACL’S VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS GUIDELINES FOR APS SYSTEMS

Adult Protective Services (APS) programs are designed and administered within each state, creating wide national variation in services and practices. This variability can impede effective research into APS efficacy. In 2016, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for APS Systems (Guidelines) intending to promote greater uniformity, valid research, and person-centered practices supporting dignity and autonomy. The Guidelines are voluntary; therefore, adoption of them varies from state to state. This poster will present the results of a state APS director electronic survey that examines the dissemination and initial use of the Guidelines. All State APS directors were asked to participate; representatives from 43 states responded. Respondents represent a wide-range of APS programs with 73% serving adults over 18, 12% serving only adults over age 60, and the remainder serving combinations such as vulnerable adults over 60 or individuals with disabilities over age 18. Of represented states, 92% reported awareness of the Guidelines, with 53% of the aware states having changed or having plans to change their APS practices as a result. Another 33% reported having already implemented some Guideline practices prior to their release. The 8% of responding states unaware of the Guidelines were geographically diverse, but all served adults over 18 and were state (not county) administered. This study shows the importance of ACL’s communication strategy, since some States had no knowledge of the Guidelines, and demonstrates general receptivity of State APS Programs to national guidance.