Study on the impact of COVID-19 on Adult Protective Service (APS) Programs

Date:

From: WRMA/Virginia Tech Study Team

Subject: Participation in nationwide survey, “Impact of COVID-19 on APS”

To: State APS Director

We (WRMA, Inc., and Virginia Tech) have been retained by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to conduct a study on the impact of COVID-19 on Adult Protective Services (APS) programs across the country. This study will examine the effects of the virus on work and workload and changes in policy and practices due to COVID-19. It will also examine the challenges and successes experienced by APS programs with the goal of developing a resource of information that can assist other APS program during the on-going pandemic and other future outbreaks or similar emergencies.

For Phase 1 of the study, we conducted interviews with a small sample of APS directors across the country to help us understand what these APS programs are experiencing during the pandemic. In Phase 2, we want to gather national information on how the pandemic has affected APS programs.

We invite your state to participate in our online national APS survey in order to help us achieve this goal. We are directing this survey to APS Directors or Administrators in order to gather level responses. You are welcome to discuss your responses with any other staff to obtain the most accurate response.  We ask that you complete the survey by 15 July 2020.

About the survey:

This survey will only take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

The online survey will allow you to complete the survey at your own pace. If you need to close out of the survey and complete it at another time, simply close the tab or browser. Your responses will be saved.

To change responses after you have moved on to another question, simply click on the back button.

If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to contact me (contact info below).

Click on the survey link to complete: SURVEY LINK

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pamela B. Teaster, Ph.D. at [email protected] or 540-231-7657. This research study has been reviewed by the Virginia Tech Human Research Protection Program (IRB #19-342). You many connect with them at 540-231-3732 or [email protected] if you have questions about your rights as a research subject or if your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the researcher.

We know that particularly at this time, you may have many other competing priorities. We appreciate your participation, as your information is crucial in getting a better understanding the APS experience during the time. We will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions.

Thank you and stay safe!

The WRMA, Inc. and Virginia Tech Research Team

Public Burden Statement:

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number (OMB 0985-New). Public reporting burden for this collection of information averages 20 minutes per response, including time for gathering, maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is voluntary.

2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22201 (main) 703.351.5076 (fax) 703.351.9292 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 310, Rockville, MD 20852 (main) 301.881.2590 (fax) 301.881.0096

www.wrma.com