Supporting APS Clients Impacted by Substance Use

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Community Living (ACL), Administration on Aging

Research and Evaluation Technical Assistance

Challenge

Adult protective services (APS) may be the first agency to interact with adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, who are directly impacted by substance use. In recent years, APS cases involving substance use issues have increased in both number and complexity, underscoring the need for resources and infrastructure to effectively support impacted clients.

Solution

ACL contracted with our subsidiary, WRMA, to develop, implement, and test a strategy to help APS agencies better serve clients impacted by opioids and other substances. Drawing on our APS expertise, we:

Researched APS program needs and reviewed evidence-based intervention methods
Designed an APS-specific pilot using the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) framework
Delivered training and technical assistance (TA) to three pilot sites

Learn More About This Project

Research and Evaluation

WRMA designed a mixed-methods evaluation to assess the pilot implementation process and outcomes. The evaluation includes in-depth interviews and focus groups with APS administrators and caseworkers to identify challenges and solutions to implementing the pilot activities. We are using case-level data from each site to explore the frequency of cases involving substance use and pilot outcomes.

Comprehensive Technical Assistance (TA)

Our team provides TA to pilot sites to support systems change efforts. We developed and conducted a series of virtual trainings, resources, and self-directed e-learning courses to prepare APS caseworkers for implementing SBIRT. We also support APS programs in implementing systems to collect standardized data on substance use risk and referrals to inform their future efforts.