The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), Adult protective services investigates all known or suspected incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult as defined in KRS 209.020 (4)
Each type of report is considered for investigation or preventative services and all adults are offered preventative services in an attempt to ensure the safety and well being of the adult while protecting the adult’s right to self determination and due process.
All adults are offered protective services and may accept or refuse services. If it is determined an adult as defined in KRS 209 lacks the capacity to consent to services and is living in conditions, which create a substantial risk of death or could cause immediate and serious physical harm to himself or others, the SSW assesses the need for involuntary protective services and requests the least restrictive intervention as explained in Chapter 25 APS Court.
Adult protective services also provides general adult services which are voluntary, preventive services aimed at assisting an adult in attaining and functioning at their highest level of self-sufficiency and autonomy; and in maintaining the adult in the community. General adult services may be requested by the adult or at the direction of an adult, who is in need of services. For more information on general adult services and acceptance criteria refer to Chapter 27 General Adult Services.