DHS and partners announce new measures to help safeguard vulnerable adults

ATTORNEY GENERAL BILL SCHUETTE: "Protecting seniors and our most vulnerable requires a team effort."

LANSING, Mich. – Elder abuse is on the rise across Michigan and The Department of Human Services is taking action.

The department on Thursday announced the Michigan Model Vulnerable Adult Protocol, or MI-MVP today in Grand Blanc at the Michigan Summit on Elder Justice/at Risk Adults. This new protocol will become the standard for the joint investigation of adult, exploitation, and neglect.

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The new protocol will help local communities serve and protect older people who are more vulnerable to abuse as well as allowing protective service workers to take photographs during an investigation provided that they have the client's consent. It will also allow for increased communication and collaboration among agencies in investigations of cases.

"Prior to this protocol, the law mandated that Adult Protective Services investigate and give its report to the prosecutor, not necessarily to law enforcement, and vice versa," said DHS Director Maura Corrigan, who officially announced the MI-MVP. "Now, we have streamlined the process, and will share information from the beginning in these cases. That's a great start toward helping safeguard this vulnerable population."

In fiscal year 2012, Adult Protective Services (APS) received over 25,000 referrals reporting abuse of people over the age of 18, who may have been unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations. APS expects that number to increase in fiscal year 2013, which is why it is crucial that measures be taken against elder abuse.

"Protecting seniors and our most vulnerable requires a team effort. We're pleased to announce this new approach to guide those who protect and serve our seniors every day," said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.

To view the complete MI-MVP protocol, click here.