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Show For Your Own Caring This " Utah's Guide to Adult Protective Services Information Provided And Distributed By The Utah State Division Of Aging And Adult Services As A Public Service Division Of Aging And Adult Services Mission Statement Our mission is to provide the state; provide services which-suppo- leadership in addressing issues that impact older Utahns and disabled to ensure that there are community-base- d systems of service in both urban and rural areas of ts; ATION: Mary, a widow, lives with her grandson in Mary's ld dent living and protect the A: All persons who susquality of life of Utah's pect that abuse, neglect, older persons and dis- or exploitation of a disabled adults; and include abled adult has occurred citizen involvement in the planning and service delivery process. pay utilities. Sam is your neighbor. What do you do? nouse. Grandson calls age 85 hurtful names and ABUSE: Suzie, Mary come to live with her has uses loud threatening lanNancy, a young guage to Mary. Mary is daughter mother of four preschoolfrightened by her granders. Suzie has had diffison and gives him any alone because amount of money re- culty living she appears confused, quested because she doesn't remember where wants his love and is and wanders. doesn't want to be left she alone. Other family members are concerned. What do you do? SELF NEGLECT: Sam, a veteran, needs help managing his personal affairs. He has difficulty remembering to pay rent, buy food and 45-year-o- ld i j Adult Telephone Number For Reporting Adult Abuse Answers! are legally obligated to report such abuse to either abused? local law enforcement or the local social services A: office. Q: If sit-uati- me? I The situation will be investigated by a qualified social worker who has been trained in adult proreport an abusive tective services.' The vicwhat happens to tim is offered alternatives, People who report neglect, or exploitation cases are protected by law. Names are kept confidential. Anyone, who in good faith, makes a report is immune from civil liability in connection with A: Western Region Social Services has placed . . . in service a new, Six Countywide telephone number for reporting adult abuse. The new phone number for reporting abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults and seniors is and is intended for use the report. services and resources which could reduce or eliminate the abusive situation. How do learn what Social Services has done with my report about my neighbor Suzie, or Sam ? Q: I -- The social worker will call you back to let you know the case has been A: Q: What happens if don't report an abusive situaI investigated. tion? have reported a case and feel like nothing has really changed, what do do? Q: After A: A person who is requir- ed to report suspected I Monday through Frineglect, or exploitday from 8:00am to ation of a disabled adult, r 5:00pm only. and who willfully fails to A: Report the case again. not numbers have phone do so is guilty of a class B Adults have the right, if Nancy is trying to handle changed (see a listing of misdemeanor. competent, to make their the situation but she beelsenumbers phone own decisions which comes frustrated after sev- where in this section). Q: What happens to the may not be the same eral nights of lost sleep. is being decision you might make. The new phone number, person who After a wandering episode which went into effect on Nancy strikes her mother 4th of this year, breaking her shoulder, January All Disabled Adults In Utah Are a specialized for allows Suzie is hospitalized and Protected From: the doctor suspects adult social service team to quickly investigate all abuse. What do you do? Abuse Neglect Exploitation adult abuse reports within the Six County area. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ADULT servUnder the Protective Staff Assigned to the Six County Area; (right to left) is required to report adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation? Q: Who indepen- rt Do You Know Someone In This Situation? ABUSE AND EXPLOIT- Questions? Dorothy Ball, Lindon Callister, John Ander- son, Willie Folkes, Barbara Coefer The Six County Area includes Sevier, Piute, Wayne, Juab, Millard, Sanpete I After-hou- previous ice delivery system the adult abuse reports were investigated by geographically separated social workers with a dual responsibility in programs for people with disabilities, and adult and aging programs. The change will allow for specialized investigation and service resource referral, and closer coordination with Area Aging Agency staff. For the present, Adult and Aging program services will continue to on-goi- PROTECTIVE SERVICES? A PERSON 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO IS IMPAIRED BECAUSE OF: MENTAL ILLNESS MENTAL DEFICIENCY PHYSICAL ILLNESS OR DISABILITY CHRONIC USE OF DRUGS CHRONIC INTOXICATION OTHER CAUSES to the extent that he is unable to care for his own personal safety or to provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care (Note: A person under treatment solely of a spiritual means, through prayer, in accordance with the tenetspractices of a recognized church or religious denomination, and by an accredited practioner shall not be considered a disabled adult for that reason alone.) be delivered from local LOOKING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE social service offices. Spring 1993 19 |