Program Evaluations
1. Self-Neglect •
Purpose: To evaluate existing best practices for investigating self-neglect allegations and determine the appropriate method to support these alleged victims for long-term success
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Evaluation Partner: ADvancing States
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Project Duration: 8 months
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Staff Engagement Opportunities: staff interviews and an all-staff survey
Program Evaluations in Adult Protective Services and Opportunity for Staff Engagement As many of you are aware, in 2021 the Adult Protective Services program received generous funding from the Administration for Community Living through two grants – the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Both grants were given to each state with the overarching objective that all activities paid for would enhance the APS program in some manner, whether that be through the purchasing of technology to support the continued need for remote work, the hiring of temporary staff to support improvement goals, or the support of largescale marketing efforts to raise awareness about adult maltreatment. While our program has opted to include funding for all the projects previously listed, one of the most exciting areas for enhancement is the opportunity to fund program evaluation activities. The last full program evaluation of APS was nearly a decade ago and predates APS becoming its own division as well as multiple policy and procedural updates that have influenced the way APS conducts itself daily. To understand the current reality and inform our path over the next several years, we have chosen to embark on three separate evaluation projects to support the continued growth of the program. These projects are multifaceted, but each involves the review of APS data, staff and stakeholder interviews or surveys, and a final synthesis of recommendations for enhancements based on fact. To the right is a brief explainer on each project; more information will be forthcoming, so keep an eye out for opportunities to participate. If you have questions about any of the projects or would like additional detail, please contact Victoria Gawlik Morse.
2. Staffing Models •
Purpose: To evaluate existing best practices for staffing APS programs in Washington and across the country.
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Evaluation Partner: ADvancing States
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Project Duration: 8 months
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Staff Engagement Opportunities: staff interviews and an all-staff survey
3. Full Program Evaluation •
Purpose: To evaluate the APS program in its entirety including its organizational structure, policies, procedures, and data approaches. Additionally, a direct comparison analysis outlined through the voluntary consensus guidelines with similar APS programs
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Evaluation Partner: University of Washington, Center for Health Innovation and Policy Science
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Project Duration: 2 years
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Staff Engagement Opportunities: staff interviews and all-staff staff surveys
This is an exciting time for our program and each evaluation project has the potential to make a lasting, positive impact on the work that we do. Thank you in advance for your willingness to participate and provide feedback to our project partners and your commitment to improving the services we provide to the vulnerable adult population of Washington.
