Delaware's Adult Protective Services Program Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
April 2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of legislation that created Delaware's Adult Protective Services Program (APS). APS is one of many programs operated by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD).
APS responds to cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults, including older persons and adults with physical disabilities.
During the past 25 years, APS has grown significantly. The size of the staff has increased from 5 to 13, and the number of clients served has also grown significantly from nearly 200 per year to over 1,000 per year. In addition to growing in size, APS has also improved its capacity for responding to clients' needs. Some of its major accomplishments have included:
- creating an APS training library in the field of elder abuse;
- providing specialized training for staff;
- increasing community outreach and education;
- improving efficiency of field visits through the use of wireless laptops, cell phones, and digital photography;
- developing data collection systems;
- supporting the passage of federal elder justice legislation; and
- initiating the amendment of Delaware's APS law to allow for surrogate decision making to include additional family relatives.
As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, APS has developed a new program brochure (pictured below). Copies of the brochure are available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded here. If you need assistance with downloading the brochure, please see the Help with Downloading DSAAPD Publications page of this web site.
APS Brochure in English  .PDF (English) - Text only (English). |
APS Brochure in Spanish .PDF (Spanish) - Text only (Spanish). |
As APS looks ahead to the next 25 years, one of its goals is to collaborate with other agencies to establish Delaware’s first emergency shelter for abused elderly. Other upcoming initiatives will include public awareness activities, developing an elder abuse multi-disciplinary coalition, and participating in the World Elder Abuse Day on June 15, 2008.
For more information about APS and related topics, please see:
- The Adult Protective Services Program page in the services section of this web site;
- DSAAPD publications related to abuse, neglect or exploitation; and
- Frequently asked questions about abuse and crisis situations.
If you have questions about Delaware's Adult Protective Services Program or would like additional copies of the new APS program brochure, please contact DSAAPD.
