Adult Protective Services Policy Manual
Central Office
1705.10
Protective Service data shall be compiled and analyzed at the Central Office (CO) level and provided to all Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) staff through their Regional Managers (RMs). Data is compiled and analyzed for state, regional and local statistics.
CO shall be responsible for coordinating investigation protocols with other entities (i.e., Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Social Services (DSS), etc.), drafting policy in response to statutory changes, and development of programs to improve and/or enhance the DSDS’s ability to better serve seniors and adults with disabilities.
CO shall be obligated to answer questions from field staff regarding investigation protocols, policy, and program development. CO staff shall provide responses to questions in a timely manner. Policy questions shall be directed to the Bureau of Program Integrity (BPI). Prior to submitting policy questions to BPI, Adult Protective & Community Workers (APCWs) shall discuss policy questions with their supervisor and/or RM. Questions regarding policy may be called or e-mailed to BPI at . This method of information sharing will enable policy to be interpreted consistently throughout the state.
CO shall assist in identifying training needs. CO personnel shall work with the training staff in the Automation and Analysis Unit (AAU) to meet the identified needs. When training is needed at a regional staff or provider meeting, staff from CO may be available to assist.
New DSDS staff shall attend the mandatory protective service training. CO shall communicate with all levels of staff regarding additional training opportunities. When such opportunities are present, staff should be encouraged to attend pertinent protective service training, enhancing their ability to provide better service to Missouri citizens.
Complaints received by CO regarding Adult Protective Service (APS) staff shall be forwarded to the respective Regional Manager responsible for supervision. The Bureau Chief of Home and Community Services shall determine the appropriate course of action/investigation and if involvement of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is needed. Once such allegations have been investigated, a written copy of the resolutions shall be forwarded to CO to be filed with the original complaint.
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Effective: 02/14