A National Study of Involuntary Protective Services to Adult Protective Services Clients

ABSTRACT

A questionnaire was sent to state administrators of Adult Protective Services Programs (APS) to learn about involuntary protective services provided by APS to vulnerable adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Data were obtained on criteria used to assess the need for involuntary services, types of services provided, sources of authority for involuntary intervention, the nature and extent of public concern about involuntary services, and the protection of the rights of incapacitated clients. Based on responses from 43 states, less than 10 percent of APS recipients receive services without their consent; and all states providing services involuntarily take steps to ensure the protection of rights. Available information from the study does not support the general belief that adults who self-neglect are more likely than other APS clients to have protective services imposed.