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For 40 years, a smattering of county prosecutorial offices have held the contract for the protection of endangered Hoosier adults. A for-profit company — Public Consulting Group’s Indiana subsidiary — took over Tuesday.
“The State of Indiana has committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to (Adult Protective Services) during the transition,” a Family and Social Services Administration document reads.
“Steps are being taken to minimize disruptions to active investigations and to preserve continuity of care,” the agency added. “Efforts are underway to retain experienced investigators and recruit qualified personnel, as well as to sustain collaboration with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community-based services.”
That response was among a dozen answers to “frequently asked questions” about the switch.
PCG-Indiana will replace the 17 county-based hubs with five regions — Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest, and Southeast — and coordinated under a statewide model, according to a separate document with “key information” for “stakeholders.”
“This structure enhances local responsiveness while maintaining consistent practices and centralized oversight across the state,” it continued.
The reorganization is similar to what is happening at the Indiana Department of Child Services.
APS investigators will use “standardized” tools, like a statewide risk tool to screen reports. Cases representing “immediate risk of serious harm” will get a response within 24 hours, while a “serious risk” will merit a response within four days. All others will have a 20-day timeline, according to the FAQ document.
The documents emphasize that Indiana “remains a mandatory reporting state.”
Indiana Code defines an endangered adult as one who can’t care for themselves or their belongings and that is neglected, abused or exploited. Qualifying conditions include dementia, intellectual disability, mental illness or similar impairments; lawmakers removed alcohol and drug misuse from the definition this year.
FSSA’s APS webpage doesn’t reflect the program or definition changes.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, policy and elections.
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