Strengthening Adult Protective Services
Adult protective services (APS) programs play a critical role in protecting the safety, dignity, and independence of vulnerable adults. Strong APS systems not only respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation but also connect individuals to the supports they need to thrive.
TriMetrix partners with federal, tribal, state, and local agencies to strengthen APS programs through research, technical assistance, and evaluation. Our work is grounded in real-world practice and designed to support effective, responsive systems that improve outcomes for vulnerable adults.
Areas of Expertise
Our team brings deep, hands-on experience across key APS topic areas. Our areas of expertise include:
Program Administration
Our staff have worked at every level of APS programs, from caseworkers and supervisors to program administrators. They have backgrounds in social work and public policy and have worked across diverse state systems and within a variety of structures, policy frameworks, and implementation approaches. We use this depth of expertise to provide training, research, and technical assistance to support APS programs in all aspects of program improvement. This includes operating the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) APS Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) for over 10 years.
Adult Maltreatment Data
Our APS experts provide technical assistance to strengthen how programs collect, analyze, and use data on adult maltreatment investigations. We apply our in-depth understanding of adult maltreatment data to support high-quality reporting, respond to requests for data, inform data-driven projects and program initiatives, and advance research on the mistreatment of vulnerable adults. Our work includes managing and reporting for the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS).
Substance Use Disorders
Our team has extensive experience supporting APS programs nationwide, with expertise in addressing substance use in adult maltreatment cases. We provide research, tools, and technical assistance to improve screening, assessment, and response, while aligning with person-centered APS principles. Through evaluation and hands-on support, we help programs strengthen partnerships, implement sustainable practices, and improve outcomes for clients.
Workforce Training
We use our expertise in APS to develop and deliver high-quality training and education for APS professionals. Our resources are designed to equip the workforce to protect older adults and adults with disabilities from maltreatment. Resources include courses, webinars, podcasts, briefs, and practical tools. Topics span areas such as data-informed decision-making, workforce safety, and working with tribal communities.
Services
TriMetrix supports APS programs through a range of services, working in close partnership with clients to create solutions that serve their communities in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Client Stories
Enhancing Adult Protective Services Programs
On behalf of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL), we launched the APS TARC to strengthen APS programs nationwide. This work focuses on improving data collection, consistency, and outcomes measurement to better understand client needs, interventions, and results. By providing research, tools, and technical assistance, APS TARC helps enhance program effectiveness, promote evidence-based practices, and improve safety and well-being for vulnerable adults.
Supporting APS Clients Impacted by Substance Use
On behalf of ACL, we support APS programs in addressing cases involving substance use by providing research, tools, and technical assistance. Our work on the APS Opioid Pilot Project focuses on developing, implementing, and testing strategies to help APS agencies better identify, assess, and respond to substance use–related risks, including abuse and neglect. We designed a mixed methods evaluation to assess the pilot and provide technical assistance to pilot sites to support systems change efforts.
Let’s talk about how we can strengthen your APS program.
About Us
Learn more about who we are and what drives our work.
Client Stories
See what’s possible when we work together to drive change.