This data collection is new and will investigate the impact of COVID-19 on APS programs across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing changes in APS policy and practice in several areas, including, but not limited to, a reduction of in-person interactions with clients, perpetrators, and collaterals. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and is predicted to return in waves, it is critical to understand the effectiveness of APS policy and practice changes and preparedness for such emergency situations. Findings will be shared with APS programs so that knowledge and effective strategies are shared and applied to current and future challenges.
The study objectives are to examine COVID-19âs impact on:
Work and Workload: Determine the short-term impact of COVID-19 on program work and workload as measured by the impact on the number and types of cases, workload, and outcomes.
Policy and Practice: Identify, categorize and analyze the impact of policy and practice changes implemented as a result of COVID-19 and document what changes were considered successful and not successful. Specifically, identify the issues that are arising from the policy and practice changes and document how APS staff have addressed them.
Effect on Staff: Identify the impact on staff in areas such as job satisfaction, job readiness, and safety and determine how to reduce the negative impacts during future emergencies.
Partnerships: Identify the impact of COVID-19 on relationships between APS and its community partners (e.g., law enforcement, healthcare, mental health) and determine how those relationship can be improved on an ongoing basis and in preparation for the next emergency. In addition, identify any new or pronounced partnerships, such as social services, and how these relationships can be better prepared or established during times of emergency.
Preparedness Plans: Identify the impact of COVID-19 on the emergency preparedness plans of APS programs and determine how those plans can be improved, particularly in preparation for the next emergency.
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) requests emergency clearance approval to collect data for a study on the impact of COVID-19 on Adult Protective Service (APS) Programs (OMB 0985-New). ACL seeks approval from OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) section 1320.13(i)(iii); due to an unanticipated event the use of normal clearance procedures is reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection of this vital time-sensitive information.
Due to the recent COVID-19, pandemic ACL requests OMB emergency approval to collect data using an online survey. This studyâs collection of information is essential to the mission of ACL. This study needs to occur now during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore both challenges and successes and with the goal of developing a resource of information to assist APS programs in responding to ongoing and future outbreaks or similar emergencies. For this reason, ACL cannot reasonably comply with the normal PRA clearance procedures and requests a waiver of public comment to expedite online distribution of the data collection activity on July 20, 2020.
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.