The Adult Protection Branch within Kentucky’s government is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable adults. Its primary mission is to bolster state service regions in their delivery of both adult protective services and general adult services. This support is provided through expert case consultation, the establishment of practice standards, and the development of efficient data systems. The branch’s overarching commitment is to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults while advocating for their right to live in the least restrictive environment possible.
Programs and Services for Adults in Kentucky
Kentucky offers a range of programs and services designed to protect and support adults. One key initiative is KY ESTEAM (Empowering Solutions to End Adult Maltreatment). This program represents Kentucky’s commitment to tackling adult maltreatment through comprehensive and supportive solutions.
!KY ESTEAM Logo – Kentucky Empowering Solutions to End Adult Maltreatment program, promoting adult safety and well-being in Kentucky.
About Adult Protective Services (APS) in Kentucky
Adult Protective Services (APS), a crucial part of the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), plays a vital role in Kentucky. APS is responsible for investigating all reported incidents, or suspected incidents, of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults, as legally defined under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 209.020 (4).
Every report received by APS is carefully reviewed to determine the need for either a formal investigation or preventive service interventions. Importantly, all adults are offered preventive services as a proactive measure. These services aim to enhance adult safety and overall well-being, while simultaneously upholding the adult’s fundamental rights to self-determination and due process. It is essential to recognize that while protective services are offered to all adults in need, the adult has the autonomy to either accept or refuse these services.
Beyond protective interventions, adult protective services in Kentucky also delivers voluntary general adult services. These are preventive programs focused on empowering adults to achieve self-sufficiency and independence to the greatest extent possible within their capabilities, and to support them in maintaining their lives within their communities. Adults themselves, or someone acting on their behalf, can request these general adult services when needed.
How to Report Adult Maltreatment in Kentucky
Kentucky law mandates that any individual who has reasonable cause to suspect adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation must report it. This mandatory reporting extends to various professionals, including physicians, law enforcement officers, nurses, social workers, Cabinet personnel, coroners, medical examiners, employees of alternate care facilities, and caretakers, among others. It’s critical to note that the obligation to report persists even if the adult has died, as reporting the circumstances surrounding the death remains necessary.
DCBS collaborates closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant organizations to thoroughly investigate every report. When necessary, and if accepted by the adult, DCBS facilitates the provision of essential protective services.
For non-emergency situations where an immediate response is not required, the Kentucky Child/Adult Protective Services Reporting System offers a convenient online reporting platform. This online system is actively monitored during regular business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Please be aware that reports submitted through this online system will not be reviewed during evenings, weekends, or state holidays. If the situation is an emergency, it is crucial to contact emergency services directly.
