SC APS Report and Recommendations

Lisa F. Young

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has an Adult Advocacy Division that protects the health and welfare of elderly, disabled, and vulnerable adults. Adult Protective Services (APS) is part of this Division. The Division coordinates services to individuals who are 18 or older and are the victims of actual or potential abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

In June 2015 the Institute of Medicine and Public Health issued a Long Term Care Task Force report with 32 recommendations to improve our state’s long term care services and supports programs. One of the 32 recommendations was to “ensure vulnerable adults are protected through an adequate Adult Protective Services Program and have access to preventive services that keep them safely in their homes and from requiring more expensive services.”

AARP SC was given an opportunity to take the lead on ensuring the goals were met. AARP SC partnered with Nelson Mullins through their pro bono program. In November 2016 AARP SC and Nelson Mullins issued a study that provided specific solutions to ensure our state’s APS system meets the needs of the individuals served. The study included interviews with key stakeholders, a detailed survey of APS caseworkers and input from an advisory committee. Report findings demonstrated the areas of concern. Click the link below to view a copy of the report.

APS clients receiving services increased from 2,931 to 4,778, which is a 63% increase over the five-year period of 2011 through 2015, with no increase in resources. For an historical perspective, from SFY 99-00 to 03-04, the number of clients receiving services ranged from a low of 3,626 to a high of 4,333. During that same period SC DSS received no additional funding for the program. And during this same time period, the agency suffered agency wide budget cuts. Source: SC DSS Accountability Report.

The report findings highlight the need for more training for APS caseworkers, development of an improve assessment form, better data collection, and a centralized call center.

SC DSS worked with AARP SC and Nelson Mullins throughout this process and as a result have already begun implementation of some of the recommendations.

AARP SC will ask the State Legislature to restore SC DSS funding levels to the 2001 amount of $7.5 million so that the agency has the appropriate resources to provide the services for which they are responsible.

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