The Adult Long Term Support (LTS) Access Team is the entry point for many types of services provided by the Department. Access deals with people age 18 through the elderly, and assesses a broad range of problems, including abuse/neglect to the physical care needs of the elderly (see Adult and Aging Services Access Team narrative).
The Access social worker's primary duties are to investigate abuse/neglect allegations, which are usually brought to our attention by a phone referral. Findings/determinations are made regarding these allegations resulting in the matter being closed, referred to community resources for services, opened for services from our Department, or referred to court for court ordered intervention because of the seriousness of the situation. Approximately two thirds of referrals are assigned to social workers for follow-up or investigation.
Services
Adult at Risk
An Adult at Risk is any adult aged 18 through 59 who has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs his or her ability to care for his or her needs who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation. Abuse includes the following: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, treatment without consent, or unreasonable confinement or restraint.
Adult Protective Services
The Long Term Support (LTS) Division provides an array of adult protective services, which include: Emergency Protective Placement, Guardianship, Emergency Elder Abuse Investigation, and court ordered protective placement, when home care is not feasible or funding is unavailable. In addition, assistance is provided to complete Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances and Health Care.
Elder Adult at Risk
An elder adult at risk is someone age 60 or older that is subjected to any of these types of abuse or neglect: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, treatment without consent, unreasonable confinement or restraint, financial exploitation, neglect by a caregiver, or self neglect. The Long Term Support Division is the lead agency for investigating and reporting suspected elder abuse. Based on the results of the investigation, services may be offered to help solve the problem. Services may be limited by funding availability.
