Adult Protective Services Department Addition Essay Example

coordination organizes components in an organized manner. [Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (1997), Barker (1995)]

Yessian and Broskowski (1983) identified overlapping integration and coordination roles that social workers perform. These include advocating for clients, identifying coordination opportunities, providing technical assistance, implementing services, and involving themselves in service development. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (1999) stresses the importance of respecting and promoting client self-determination but recognizes that social workers may limit this right in cases where serious risks are posed by clients to themselves or others. Mansell et al's (2009) study on adult protection referrals in two local authorities situated in Southeast England showed a significant increase in referrals over time, especially among young people with a correlation between location or setting, perpetrator identity, and type of abuse.

Instances of abuse and institutional neglect may be uncovered through referrals concerning care home residents, particularly if the resident is an older person with a mental illness (Mansell et al, 2009). Individuals with learning disabilities are at higher risk of experiencing sexual abuse from family members or other service users. Those residing in private homes with relatives are more susceptible to psychological, physical, or financial abuse. Additionally, elderly individuals living alone can be vulnerable to financial exploitation by their family members or home care workers. Social workers have reported observing a reciprocal relationship between themselves and their clients; however, this type of connection can conflict with social work practice norms that discourage dual relationships.

According to Alexander ; Charles (2009), there is a significant discrepancy between social work training and standards and how social workers practice, which creates a questionable situation where workers are torn between professional ideals and

client relationships. Despite increased engagement in international activities, social workers remain divided on key issues defining the profession, including the definition of international social work, the effects of globalization, the appropriate approach to activism, remediation, and development, as well as the role of values, cultural diversity, and internationalism in social work. These and other critical issues have implications for theoretical research, social work education curriculum development, and conceptual frameworks for globalization and regionalization in social practice.

[Migley (2001)] found that the definition of social work has been greatly influenced by risk and uncertainty, as shown in worldwide literature. The concept's historical development was driven by multiple factors. Currently, society faces high levels of risk and uncertainty with a lack of trust in experts and no established social model for managing risk. As a result, effective risk management should involve a combination of both controlling attitudes and empowering approaches. These strategies complement each other; one aims to avoid risks while the other encourages positive risk-taking.

In 2003, Stalker emphasized the significance of recognizing how social work service users manage risks daily and their potential for a greater impact. The objective of Adult Protective Services is to enhance the quality and accessibility of protective services for elderly individuals and disabled adults that experience neglect, abuse, or exploitation because they are unable to defend themselves. Research from the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) found that a singular social work department structure is not necessary as workers can function effectively within diverse multi-disciplinary contexts and organizational settings.

According to a study by IFSW (2005), core professional values and commitments outweigh organizational structures in importance. The study also highlights the shift

in social work towards a lesser emphasis on direct work with individuals, families, and communities, and a move away from preventive measures. This may result in social workers being required to fulfill an organizational role that conflicts with their professional values and motivations for entering the field. This has led to instances of high caseloads, resource shortages, and lack of time or knowledge for investigative workers. However, the establishment of a dedicated unit can allow for thorough assessments, plans, and stabilizations for the disabled or elderly. Additionally, ongoing case management ensures that a comprehensive range of services is available to those in need of protective services.

The new department's focus is to prevent or relieve situations that result in abuse, neglect, or exploitation, maintain individuals in their homes and communities, as well as preserve families. To achieve this, it will provide organized, structured, and community-based adult day care services offering therapeutic activities for adults unable to perform daily activities. As suggested by Fredriksen (1989), Schetky ; Boverman (1985) recommend the creation of a dormant multidisciplinary investigation team that springs into action when abuse, neglect or exploitation cases occur. The formation of an on-going case management unit is necessary to assist with handling such cases of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation in victim's homes.

The idea of victims realizing that they have the power to help themselves rather than relying on adult homes can lead to long-term solutions and reduce instances of home environment disruption. Blush & Ross (1990) support this. Another crucial step is quickly establishing a third unit to work alongside the existing two units to prevent mishandling, poor investigations, and mismanagement of adult abuse cases.

Spiegel (1986) and Ferguson (1988) both agree that such mismanagement can result in significant personal harm for victims of sexual abuse allegations.

Adult Protective Services (APS), a core area in social work, is subject to several theories, including System theory. In the context of social work, System theory is analyzed politically to understand how different groups contend for influence in social work and generate knowledge and theory bases. System theory has impacted social work in the US since 1970. The addition of the On-Going Case Management department in the State of Texas adult protective services, viewed from a systems theory perspective, confirms its significance in adapting to social changes affecting social work. This significance is based more on service delivery than theoretical or intellectual development.

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