This letter introduces the Adult Protective Services (APS) Screening Tool and Guidelines developed as a collaborative effort among the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, county departments of job and family services, and agencies and professionals serving adult protective services throughout the state.

The tool and guidelines were developed in an effort to standardize the intake and screening processes as well as to assist APS staff in gathering sufficient and significant information to make screening decisions.

Intake screening is the entry point into the system, at which time a decision has to be made about an elder's safety. The information obtained from the referent is used to determine the necessity for APS staff to intervene, as well as the timeframe and nature of the response. These tools will be used to help develop consistency in screening practices across counties.

Although the tool and guidelines are not mandated, both are highly recommended to assist APS staff in making critical decisions about safety and services for vulnerable adults. Also included are key terms and definitions that are relevant to the screening tool and guidelines.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart indicates the materials that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the materials that should be added.