The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) accepts all reports that allege abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals who meet the definition of adult under KRS Chapter 209 Protection of Adults. Reports with Individuals who do not meet the definition of adult may be reviewed to determine if the information or allegation meets acceptance criteria for general adult services or is appropriate to refer the caller to other community partners for assistance. Each report is considered for investigation or preventive services. If a report is accepted, the adult may be unable to participate in the investigation or may refuse to be interviewed. However, all reports meeting acceptance criteria for investigations are assigned and completed per KRS 209.020(10). Each level of intervention provides important services and the SSW should always offer preventive or protective services to each adult.
The department also accepts reports alleging that an adult died as a result of abuse or neglect. These may include but are not limited to reports by law enforcement, a coroner, or other sources, discovery of the death during an adult or child protective services investigation, or reasonable cause to believe that a previous death was the result of abuse or neglect.
Central intake staff utilizes the following information to determine what investigative/assessment path to assign to each report received:
- Adult Protective Services path-This path is chosen when a report is received that indicates a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited in some way. General adult services reports fall under the APS path.
- Alternate Care APS path-This path is chosen when a resident of a long term care facility is transferred. This track is only applicable during the movement and placement of residents in long-term care that is typically associated with a facility closure.
- Guardianship path-This path is chosen when an interdisciplinary team (IDT) is assigned by the court.