Public Policy, Elder Abuse, and Adult Protective Services: The Struggle for Coherence

Abstract

The author examines public policy related to Adult Protective Services (APS) in the United States from the perspective of more than 20 years of experience in a large state APS program and a long-standing involvement in national activities related to elder abuse and adult protection. The article discusses the intricate role and impact of policy within and on APS, delineates and describes significant public policy issues affecting APS practice and performance, and proposes fundamental policy changes that might help to resolve the conceptual tension between APS and elder abuse in order to better prepare the field for the service demands of the 21st century.

KEYWORDS:

• adult protective services policy
• definitions
• mandatory reporting
• case management
• eligibility
• resource limitations

This article would not have been possible without the faith, support, and editorial skills of Georgia Anetzberger and Pamela Teaster and the research assistance of Tenzin Wangmo. Thank you.