in Washington State.
us in promoting the well-being and dignity of vulnerable adults as we observe Adult Abuse Awareness Month in June.
Discover the latest updates and upcoming changes for TIVA2 on the APS SharePoint Data Page.
Kathy Morgan Director
WA State Adult Protective Services
Increasing Reports: We have seen an increase in reports exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, highlighting the growing need for our services.
Open Investigations: The number of open investigations and backlog cases without good cause has grown, presenting a challenge in managing our caseload effectively.
Resource and Staffing Needs: Supporting the infrastructure and activities of our growing division requires additional resources and staffing.
Aswe reflect on 2024, I am profoundly proud of the remarkable progress we have achieved and the dedication each of you has demonstrated in protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State. Our achievements and challenges underscore the importance of our work and the commitment we share to enhance services and create efficiencies in the work we do.
Enhanced Investigator Training: Developed and rolled out updated training and partnering field guide for front line investigators, incorporating an EDAI lens to strengthen and better equip our staff to master the work and handle complex cases.
Workforce Stabilization: Focused recruitment and retention efforts have reduced our overall vacancy rates from over 36% to under 14% statewide. This stabilization has been critical in maintaining a strong front-line workforce to better serve our clients.
APS Supervisory Academy: Launched the pilot for module 1 of APS Supervisory Academy, to provide our supervisors with the tools and knowledge they need to lead effectively and support their teams.
Program Integrity, Performance, and Advancement (PIPA) Unit: Established the PIPA Unit to support the division. The unit is focused on quality improvement, workforce development, retention, recruitment, and program integrity initiatives.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Established SOPs across the division, leading with our records, legal and due process teams. This ensures consistency and provides clear expectations to support our mission.
Hiring Compression: Difficulty in hiring key positions, especially leadership roles, due to salary limits, hiring freezes, and compression issues.
Recruitment and Retention: Although improved, retaining and recruiting staff remains challenging as employees have other opportunities that pose fewer safety and risk concerns.
Investigation Goals and Timeliness: Continue to address the growing number of open investigations and meet strategic objectives for timely initial response and case closure.
Federal Regulations Implementation: Working on implementation of newly released first ever APS federal regulations by June 2028.
Equitable Investigations: Standardizing APS staff expectations and practices to ensure alignment with division policies.
Enhanced Leadership Training: Launch an enhanced Supervisor/Manager Training and Onboarding Guide with a comprehensive training manual. This will help our leaders better support and guide their teams to protect vulnerable adults effectively.
Process Improvement Focus: Continue to focus on standardizing processes, improving program efficiencies, and managing projects.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable adults in our communities.
Click here to view the full APS 2024 Annual Report
As we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15 and recognize June as Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Washington State, lets reaffirm our commitment to protecting the dignity and well-being of vulnerable adults. Elder abuse remains a critical issue affecting countless individuals, often resulting in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Elder abuse manifests in various forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. Our collective responsibility is to ensure everyone we serve is treated with respect and compassion while remaining vigilant in identifying and addressing any signs of abuse.
Dr. Rosalie Wolf, a trailblazer in elder abuse prevention, aptly stated, “Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and a significant cause of injury, illness, lost productivity, isolation, and despair.” Her words emphasize the gravity of the issue and highlight the importance of our role in safeguarding the rights of older adults.
To effectively combat adult abuse, we must foster a culture of empathy and support within our workforce. Continuous training and education are paramount in equipping us with the knowledge and tools to recognize and address instances of abuse. Building strong, trusting relationships with the individuals and families we support is essential. Open communication and creating a safe environment for sharing concerns enable us to better identify and address potential abuse.
Nelson Mandela emphasized that a nation is truly measured by its treatment of its most vulnerable citizens, not just its most privileged. This sentiment highlights the critical nature of our efforts to advocate for and protect vulnerable adults.
Collaboration with community partners and other agencies is crucial in creating a comprehensive support network. Together, we can raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for policies protecting vulnerable adults’ rights and well-being.
As we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Adult Abuse Awareness Month, let us renew our dedication to this vital cause. Our collective efforts can make a significant
difference in the lives of those we serve, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable adults in our communities. Your dedication and compassion are the foundation of our work, and I sincerely appreciate all you do.
Click the image to download this year’s virtual background supporting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day during the month of June.
Paula Hughes, M.Ed., CDE Deputy Director WA State Adult Protective Services
This virtual background is designated solely for internal meetings. For external meetings, please utilize the approved DSHS backgrounds
Refer to the NAPSA Conference page for event updates
submitted by Dave Beacham
APS Operations Research Specialist
Do you have questions about future changes for TIVA2, or what changes been submitted by other staff for consideration? The APS Data and Operations Team is excited to announce that the TIVA2 Change Request list is now available on the APS Data Page located at the APS Hub SharePoint site.
The Change Request list documents TIVA2 changes that have been proposed, approved, in progress, and completed. You can use the Change Request list to learn about the changes coming soon to TIVA2, and view changes that were submitted, but were not approved for development.
Recognizing that many of our best system improvements come from APS staff, the Data and Operations Team is developing a method to quickly and easily submit staff TIVA2 ideas.
More details coming soon!
submitted by Mary Pasion
Special Assistant
Are you curious about the DSHS Strategic Plan? Take a moment to reflect on how your work aligns with our agency’s mission, vision, and values. Do you see the impact of your daily tasks resonating with any of the ALTSA Strategic Goals?
Strategic planning is crucial for our organization as it provides a clear roadmap for the future. It helps us set priorities, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that everyone is working towards common goals. By understanding and aligning with the strategic plan, we can enhance the meaningfulness of our work, drive our collective success, and make a significant impact on the communities we serve.
Your contributions play a vital role in achieving our strategic objectives, and recognizing this connection can motivate and inspire us all to strive for excellence.
Grab a cup of coffee and call-in to chat with APS Director Kathy Morgan!
Please join this casual quarterly event to stay informed of APS Division’s current events and the opportunity to ask your questions.
Click the link join!
Rebecca Mead
Interim APS Office Chief Training, Policy and Intake Unit
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) made history in May 2024 by finalizing the firstever federal regulations for Adult Protective Services (APS), a landmark step in protecting vulnerable adults. These long-anticipated regulations establish uniform standards and guidelines for APS programs across the United States, addressing critical gaps in the care and safety of older adults and adults with disabilities facing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
For decades, APS programs operated under state-specific guidelines, creating inconsistencies in how cases were identified, investigated, and resolved. The ACL’s regulations bring much-needed standardization while allowing states to retain flexibility in addressing local needs. The rules focus on enhancing service delivery, data collection, and interagency coordination, ensuring all APS programs work more effectively to safeguard atrisk adults.
• Standardized Definitions and Practices: The regulations provide a uniform framework for identifying abuse, neglect, and exploitation, promoting consistency nationwide. This would include the creation of a state plan.
• Data and Reporting Requirements: States must now collect and report data using a national system, improving the ability to track trends and develop evidence-based solutions.
• Training Mandates: Enhanced training for APS staff ensures a skilled and informed workforce capable of addressing complex cases.
• Emphasis on Person-Centered Approaches: The rules prioritize the autonomy and preferences of the individuals served, reflecting a modern, rights-focused approach.
Prior to releasing federal regulations, ACL established National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines in 2016. These guidelines were designed to provide APS administrators with recommendations from the field about quality practice. Washington has largely conformed to the National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines since their inception. This ongoing conformity is expected to facilitate Washington’s alignment with forthcoming federal regulations.
Washington is setting goals and planning for staggered compliance to ACL’s federal regulations, with some areas beginning in 2026. Others will depend on statutory changes, which could come later in early 2027.
Deanne Anderson Internal Cont. & Investig. Mgr. Headquarters
Deanne joins us from Washington State University, where she spent ten years as a records and evidence supervisor, law enforcement officer, and clery manager. Public service has always been a significant part of her life. Before her time at Washington State University, Deanne’s background included roles in education as a middle school teacher, in mental health as a case manager and psycho-social rehabilitation manager for the state of Idaho, and as a case manager working with families experiencing economic hardships through the federal Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program in Whitman County, Washington. Advocating for individuals in need has been a central goal of her life, and she is eager to continue this journey with DSHS. In her free time, Deanne enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Aida Stump APS Investigator
Region
Aida has been an investigator for APS since 2014. If you ask her what has kept her working here for so long, after a brief pause and a huge smile, she will tell you she loves helping people and making a difference in their lives while building relationships with community partners. She enjoys the hands-on work, her team, and the opportunity to help new employees create a strong foundation especially around guardianships. For her remaining positive is the key to longevity in this work. Aida believes that we didn’t choose to do this work to become millionaires, we chose this field to make a difference.
When she is not at work Aida enjoys traveling, hiking, and socializing with friends and family while caring for her 92-year-old mother. Hawaii is her favorite destination. She travels there a couple times a year. Work-life balance is key to being able to stay in social services and Aida has figured out how to do that!
Ana Alcala Lead Investigator
Region 1, Moses Lake
Ana began her career with APS as an investigator in March 2021 and promoted to lead investigator in December 2022 for the central area of Region 1. Her communication skills, knowledge, and attitude make her perfect for the job.
She is extremely well-respected. It is said trust is the cornerstone of leadership and Ana is the epitome of trustworthy. Her colleagues admire her high standards and “leading by example” through her outstanding work ethic.
Ana graduated from Central Washington University (Go Wildcats!) with a Master of Science in Law and Criminal Justice and is a certified Spanish interpreter. Ana says the thing she enjoys most about APS is learning something new every day while getting the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
When Ana’s not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, walking by the lake, and exploring her hometown of Moses Lake.
Kellie Weishaar Deputy Regional Administrator Region 3, Tumwater
Kellie began her career with APS as an investigator. She worked her way up and approaches concerns or barriers with her investigator knowledge and experience in the back of her mind. In February 2024, she stepped into the role of Deputy Regional Administrator (DRA). Having transitioned from the role of program manager, she was aware of the many region’s growth areas and opportunities. She promptly began to take action to address them. She shares her ideas, strategies and finds positive, workable solutions to the day to day challenges the region faces.
Kellie models strong leadership and passion for APS work. She is knowledgeable, accessible to staff and not afraid to take on issues or have difficult conversations. Her background in criminal justice shows through in her dedication and focus to protect vulnerable adults. Region 3 is grateful to have a such a strong, dedicated and tenacious DRA!
211 Washington is a free, confidential service that connects residents of Washington State to a wide range of community resources and support services. This organization maintains a comprehensive database of over 27,000 resources, making it a central hub for individuals seeking assistance.
By simply dialing 211, visiting their website, or texting 211WAOD to 898211, residents can access help for various needs, including:
• Housing and Shelter: Assistance with finding overnight shelters, transitional housing, or permanent housing options.
• Food: Information on food banks and meal programs.
• Health Care: Access to dental and primary care.
• Financial Assistance: Help with utility, rent, and move-in assistance.
• Crisis Support: Connection to crisis hotlines and counseling services.
• And more…
211 Washington is a lifeline for individuals and families facing challenges, ensuring they can find the support they need quickly and efficiently. Whether you're navigating a personal crisis or simply looking for community resources, 211 Washington is there to help. You can learn more about 211 Washington here and check out their informational video.
Information and Referral (I&R) provides information about services and assists in connecting with the supportive resources and services.
Resources for you and your community!
WA211 provides DSHS TBI I&R Services. Free & confidential. Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-9274
WA211 Information & Referral - Help is just a contact away - Video Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help during a crisis, emotional support, referrals, and resources.
Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State. Volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind. Dial (866) 833-6546 a helpline for teens by teens.
Submitted by Claire Knight, PEAR Strategic Alignment Administrator
We are not cyborgs. Each one of us reading is a sentient, living, breathing, thinking organism, who experiences a vast range of emotions and has as vast a range of personal needs to thrive. The individual we choose to share with others in the workplace is a tangle of experiences, observations, preferences, biases and more. Many of us recognize our own individuality and make necessary adaptations to the workplace norms and expectations, advocating for only ourselves as necessary to remove barriers to our own success. This is a part of our human experience and perhaps our inherent subconscious nature. Yet our dehumanization of each other is sometimes at the core of
the disconnect and conflict that hinders our ability to serve the public to the best of our ability. Here is another obvious statement like that cyborg one I opened with: That person with whom you have conflict, do not appreciate, cannot understand, with whom you fail to connect, is also a human being whose cumulative experiences make them the person they are today. How can we move past these limiting barriers that get in the way of us serving to the best of our ability and can contribute to tension-laden workplace relationships? The answer is easier than the implementation but start by pausing to humanize others, through connection, with these questions below.
1. What is something you value about yourself or community?
2. What is an action that can create distrust with you?
3. What is one strength you have that others can look to you for?
4. What are your communication preferences?
5. How do you prefer to receive recognition?
6. Is there anything I should be mindful of to build a strong partnership with you?
A little compassion and professionalism can significantly impact the wellbeing of Washington’s vulnerable adults.
An investigator received a report involving financial exploitation, personal exploitation and sexual abuse for a client with a history of unstable behaviors, criminal history and governmental mistrust. The client was also experiencing suicidal ideation and auditory hallucinations. The reporter and law enforcement, who had rapport with the client agreed to accompany the investigator for the unannounced initial face to face interview.
The client spoke with the reporter and the investigator through their RV door that was slightly opened. Once the investigator was invited inside the RV, it was discovered the client had cut their wrists, an unlit stove burner on releasing propane, and a can of lighter fluid nearby.
The investigator was calm and quickly coordinated with law enforcement to arrange emergency medical transportation for the client who was involuntarily detained to the hospital to address their medical and mental health needs.
An investigator worked on a case regarding allegation of neglect. It was reported that a paid individual provider left their client unsupervised outside of their home and sustained injuries from a fall. A complication in this case was determining whether the alleged perpetrator had a duty of care during the incident because it was reported that the client’s guardian was present. The investigator obtained the client’s care plan, which specified that the client required supervision
by the alleged perpetrator when outside the home.
The investigator determined that the family member reported as the client’s guardian was not the guardian and the alleged perpetrator claimed to have worked hours during the timeframe of the incident. The investigator established that the alleged perpetrator had a duty of care and failed to provide the necessary supervision. The case was successfully upheld at the Investigation Review Team, and an initial substantiation was moved forward.
Through the combined work of the investigators and supervisors in region 3, 2024 was a hugely successful year for substantiations. Region 3 investigators closed and substantiated a total of 300 investigations supported through the Investigation Review Team. The success of continuing to increase the case closures each year since 2021 does not eclipse the results of increased safety and protection of vulnerable adults. Each alleged perpetrator added to the Abuse Registry list not only protects the vulnerable adults who unfortunately experienced abuse but also protects other potential victims.
The investigations covered all types of abuse allegations, showcasing the knowledge and passion Region 3 investigators have in protecting vulnerable adults. In 2025, they will continue to serve the communities they live in, offer protective services, and the justice that vulnerable adults need.
Understanding how our unique experiences contribute to a stronger and more diverse workforce.
Since November 2024, APS has been fortunate to have Desiree, MSW, leading the way as the APS Regional Administrator for Region 2. She brings extensive experience, deep passion, and unwavering dedication to her role. With over 25 years in the field of social services, Desiree has consistently advocated for those who cannot advocate for themselves. “Seeing so many people around me who weren’t treated with the respect they deserved—being denied services because of their race, disability, socioeconomic status, or education—felt unjust. I realized I could help support people in achieving their goals,” she explains.
Desiree’s career in social services includes 11 years in child welfare, where she held various positions such as program manager, area administrator, supervisor, and investigator. Additionally, she served as a Service Coordinator for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) clients with community protection concerns. Before her current role in APS, she was the Area Administrator for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in Kent.
Her personal identity as a Christian, heterosexual, Black woman intersects with her professional role in complex ways. “As a Black person in a position of authority, I often find myself to be one of the few people of color in the room, if not the only one. I feel that I must work harder than my counterparts,” she shares. This drive has motivated her to seek opportunities to learn and advocate for people of color, striving to ensure they have the same opportunities.
Being part of the DSHS/ALTSA/APS community has provided Desiree with a sense of belonging and connection. “So far, everyone I’ve met here is passionate about our work and wants to see everyone succeed,” she says. “Kathy, Sheri, Victoria, Paula, Janice, Jackie, Theresa, and many others have surrounded me with such support that it feels almost impossible to fail.”
Desiree’s personal identity has profoundly influenced her workplace experiences, making her a better listener. “Marginalized groups often go unheard. How can we help people if we don’t truly listen to them?” she asks.
Her understanding and acceptance of her identity have evolved, leading to increased confidence and reduced insecurity.
“I’ve become more confident in who I am and less concerned about others’ opinions of me. While I still experience insecurities—like questioning my worth—I continue to progress, realizing that each of us, myself included, is perfect just the way we are.”
Desiree’s team at APS exemplifies the power of collaboration and mutual support. “My team is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve our goals. They seek clear direction and guidance, and then they take action,” she says. “They are passionate about the work we do, bringing innovative ideas and a readiness to explore new approaches that benefit investigators and our vulnerable adults. We continuously motivate each other to keep showing up.”
Her unique background, including having parents who were vulnerable adults (VAs), has equipped her to work effectively with this population. “I have been in social services for over 25 years, and my passion remains as strong as it was on my first day,” she asserts.
When asked what makes APS a great organization to work for, Desiree highlights the mission and the support she receives from everyone, from the ALTSA Assistant Secretary to her administrative assistant. “The mission is what truly makes it a great place to work. The commitment to fulfilling our mission and upholding our values is evident in the support I receive every day.”
Outside of work, Desiree enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and cooking. Her love for nature and exploring the many beautiful places in Washington State is apparent. “I draw inspiration from God, friends, family, and nature,” she states.
Desiree’s words of encouragement for the APS workforce remind us of the human aspect of their work: “We are people working with people on complex issues, so always be willing to listen and ready to adapt. No two scenarios are the same.”
Desiree Rollins is a leader who embodies compassion, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable adults in Washington.
Desiree (right) and her kids Malik (left) and Malia (center) on vacation in Mexico.
and her daughter Malia
D o you have photos, content ideas, or success stories for the next quarterly APS Magazine? Let us know! Send your thoughts to jesse.dixon@dshs.wa.gov