Action | Amend Adult Protective Services |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/23/2012 |
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these proposed regulations as I feel very strongly against it. I have been a Social Worker working with the elderly for over 15 years. I oppose the proposed APS regulations because I think telling the perpetrator about the investigation is in conflict with the victim's safety and in conflict with their right to confidentiality. A victim should always feel safe to confide in a case worker. Often times it is extremely difficult for a client to even voice a concern/allegation because the perpetrator is someone close to them (family, friend or care-giver) or someone they feel could harm them in some way. I feel as though there will be less victims speaking up for themselves if they fear retaliation or embarassment from the perpetrator due to them learning of the investigation. If perpetrators must be notified, it should only be if they have been charged with a crime. Also, in situations where notification would place the victim in danger (per decision of victim's case worker), the perpetrator should not be notified. Again, thank you for allowing our input in such an important matter!