Get Latest WorkWORLD

SD Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services provides assistance to individuals who are either at least 60 years old or who are at least 18 years old with a disability. The program is administered by the DSS Division of Adult Services and Aging.

For a list of signs of possible abuse, go online to: http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Services/protective/index.htm#Reporting.

Reporting Abuse or Possible Abuse

If you know or have reasonable cause to believe that someone needs protection. Contact your nearest Adult Services and Aging office, or go online to: https://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Forms/Intake/intake.htm. A guide to your nearest office is available online at: http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Offices/index.htm.

What to Report

·      The date and time of the incident.

·      Your name, age, address, and phone number. Anonymous reports can be accepted, however, an anonymous referral is more difficult to substantiate.

·      The nature of the problem: precipitating incident, persons involved, name of caretaker, next of kin or guardian (if any), composition of household, perceived functioning level of the client.

·      Reason for referral, remedy desired, previous incidents (if known).

Confidentiality

All reports are confidential. Civil and criminal immunity is available for good faith reports by employees, agents or members of medical or dental staff of facilities regulated by the Department of Health.

Possible Interventions

Non-Legal Interventions

·      Linkages with appropriate resources, such as home health services, adult day care, adult foster care or respite care.

·      Referral for legal assistance for a power of attorney, durable power of attorney, or other legal advice.

·      Referral to counseling, support groups, or medical/mental health providers.

·      Nutritional assistance.

·      Placement assistance.

·      Case Management.

Legal Interventions

·      Emergency commitment of the mentally ill or developmentally disabled.

·      Guardianship of the person.

·      Conservatorship for property.

·      Referral for appointment of a representative payee.

·      Referral for further investigation by law enforcement for violation of Chapter 22-46, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled adult, or for investigation of other criminal offenses committed against elderly. (See second source below for link to Chapter 22-46.)

See Also:

Domestic Abuse Program: See http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/domesticabuse/index.htm. There is no distinction for people with disabilities. This program includes all persons in need of services/shelter based on their domestic abuse issues. Shelters must meet accessibility standards.

Advocacy Services

Sources:

http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Services/protective/index.htm#Reporting

http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Services/protective/chapter22-46.htm

Back to:

Division of Adult Services and Aging

South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)

Welcome and Introduction to the South Dakota Benefits Information System

WorkWORLD™ Help/Information System

   Share/Save: Click the button or link at left to select your favorite bookmark service and add this page.

This is one topic from the thousands available in the WorkWORLD™ software Help/Information System.
Complete information about the software is available at: http://www.WorkWORLD.org