Adult Protection

The Adult Protection team provides assessment and protective social services for the purpose of preventing maltreatment including abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, and to safeguard the welfare of the maltreated vulnerable adult.

Eligibility

A Mille County Case Manager can determine eligibility based on assessment information. There are no fees for case management services. The primary services provided by a case manager include intake, assessment, information and referral, and case management. The Purpose of case management is to help locate and coordinate daily living activities, medical, and other services needed to meet the specific needs of the individual.

Definitions

In 1995, the Minnesota legislature amended the Vulnerable Adults Act. The amendments provide new definitions of vulnerable adults.

Vulnerable Adult

A person 18 years of age or older who is a resident or inpatient of a facility, receives services from a licensed facility or a licensed home care provider; however, regardless if they are receiving services or reside in a facility, they possess a physical or mental infirmity or other physical, mental, or emotional dysfunction that impairs the individuals' ability to adequately provide for their own care.

Mandated Reporter

A professional or professional's delegate while engaged in:

  • The care of vulnerable adults or any employee of a facility licensed for care of vulnerable adults
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Law Enforcement
  • Medical Examiner
  • Social Services

Crimes Against Vulnerable Adults

Abuse

Generally defined as assault but also covers areas such as sexual assault, force or coercing the vulnerable adult to do acts they would not normally do, use of unreasonable acts, verbal or physical, that would be derogatory or humiliating to the vulnerable adult.

Financial Exploitation

When a person takes advantage of the vulnerable adult's situation to obtain unauthorized money, this can include fraud, theft, forgery, and any other type of financial exploitation.

Neglect

The failure of a caretaker to provide a vulnerable adult with needed care or services. The vulnerable adult may be self-neglecting as well.

The services include:

  • Clothing
  • Food
  • Medical
  • Shelter
  • Supervision

How to Report Maltreatment of a Vulnerable Adult.

Effective July 1, 2015, Minnesota has a new central system for reporting suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults. View the Department of Human Services website access for mandated reporters or call the toll free number 844-880-1574. The state-wide entry point is available 24/7.

Report of Maltreatment of a Vulnerable Adult

Reports will be promptly submitted from the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) Center to the appropriate lead investigative agencies, which may include one or more of the following:

Law Enforcement

When suspected criminal activity is alleged to have occurred (assault, sexual assault, theft, financial exploitation, etc.).

Local County Agency/Adult Protection

When the vulnerable adult needs immediate protection or the incident does not involve a facility.

Minnesota Department of Health

Incident occurred in a facility licensed or required to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The following are examples of facilities required to be licensed:

  • Boarding Homes
  • Home Care Providers
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing Homes
  • Residential Care Homes

Department of Human Services

Incident occurred in a facility licensed or required to be licensed by the Department of Human Services.

The following are examples of facilities required to be licensed:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Adult Foster Care
  • Chemical Health Programs
  • Mental Health Programs
  • Personal Care Provider Organizations
  • Programs for People with Developmental Disabilities

Investigation

An investigation by the appropriate agency will be completed and once this is done, a finding will be issued.

Guidelines for Prioritizing Reports for Investigation (PDF)