Adult Protection and Vulnerable Adult Investigations:

This program offers protective services to adults meeting the definition of a Vulnerable Adult in Minnesota Statute 626.557. The program serves those that are functionally impaired because of some type of infirmity that impairs their ability to care for themselves and impairs their ability to protect themselves from maltreatment. The program also serves those adults who receive non-residential services or reside in a facility.

In 2003, we received 187 Vulnerable Adult reports through our Common Entry Point intake system. There were 74 cases investigated by our agency of which 37 were female and 37 were male. Fifteen percent of the investigations involved vulnerable adults’ ages 71 – 80 and 42 percent ages 81 –100.

Adult Protection strives to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens. These individuals are unable to protect themselves or provide for their own physical, emotional or mental needs due to age or handicapping conditions. Adult Protection Services focus on safety and well being but also works towards reducing neglect, abuse or exploitation of vulnerable adults through outreach and education. Vulnerable Adult Investigations are completed in conjunction with the County Attorney’s Office, County Sheriff’s Department and state licensing agencies.

The Public Health Department is sometimes called on to assist in the assessments of health conditions and hazards.