APS programs are provided by state and
local governments nationwide and serve older adults and adults with
disabilities in need of assistance due to maltreatment, which can
include: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial
exploitation; neglect; and self-neglect. APS is an important avenue
through which maltreatment is reported to law enforcement or other
agencies. Additionally, APS programs are often the gateway for
adults who experience maltreatment to access additional community,
social, health, behavioral health, and legal services to maintain
independence in the settings in which they prefer to live. APS
programs work closely with clients and a wide variety of allied
professionals to maximize safety and independence, while respecting
each client’s right to self-determination. APS programs provide a
range of services to the clients they serve, including: •
investigating reports of adult maltreatment; • case planning,
monitoring, evaluating, and other casework; and • providing,
arranging for, or facilitating the provision of medical, social
service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, or other
protective, emergency, or support services. The purpose of this
information collection (“the study”) is to examine if and how APS
programs make a difference in the lives of APS clients with regard
to their self-determination, safety, well-being, and satisfaction
with services. The design of the study was informed by key
foundational activities, including a review of the literature and
existing datasets, the development of a logic model and a
theoretical framework, and guidance from ACL content experts and a
technical expert panel (TEP), consisting of researchers,
practitioners, and program leaders within APS.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.