APS Magazine Summer 2021

SUMMER SAFETY

INSIDER

Learn about easy ways to stay safe while enjoying fun in the sun

APS RESOURCES

Adult Protective Services Quarterly News | Summer 2021

Check out new resources available to all APS staff!

2021 Goals Update

Colchuck Lake, WA

SUMMER 2021 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

05

10

WAC Updates

07

Summer Safety

Learn about updates made to the WAC

Regional Success Stories Celebrating our work protecting others

02 | DIRECTOR'S WELCOME 03 | DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S WELCOME 04 | EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 05 | SUCCESS STORIES 07 | STAYING SAFE IN THE SUMMER SUN

Simple tips for a safe and sunny summer

08 | HQ SPOTLIGHT 08 | COMMUNICATIONS CORNER 09 | GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER 11 | THANK YOU REGION 3 12 | UPCOMING EVENTS

Connecting iPhone Hotspot to Device You can use your iPhone to connect your laptop to WiFi. Check out these instructions from our IT department to learn more!

HELLO FROM

KATHY MORGAN

Partner with UW to create a forensic interviewing curriculum.

Partner with the University of Washington to create a forensic interviewing curriculum: The final parts of the curriculum are being developed and pilot testing will begin in June.

THANK YOU The past six months have continued to feel like a whirlwind! It’s hard to believe we have already hit the halfway point in the year. We enter into summer with a sense of light, both figuratively and metaphorically. In addition to the longer days and warmer weather, we are seeing hopeful progress as more individuals get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases continue to decrease.

At the beginning of the year, my team identified ambitious goals. Here’s a snapshot of some of the great work we’ve been doing to continue improving Adult Protective Services and address our 2021 goals: Implement Safe Start – Resume plan, to transition back to all activities.

APS resumed all activities on March 12.

Pilot the risk and safety screening tools with regional staff.

Pilot the risk and safety tools with regional staff: Two groups of investigators with representatives from each region participated in training for the safety screening tool. Investigators also participated in a three-month pilot that started in April and will be completed by the end of June.

Outcomes from the pilot will be presented to the leadership team and a statewide training plan is being developed.

Development of new policy manual to streamline processes.

Development of a new policy manual to streamline processes: We are working to edit the manual and create a separate APS manual (currently, APS and Home and Community Services share a manual).

Once we’ve finalized the manual, we’ll add it to a web-based platform for easy access.

Updating WAC for consistent terminology and clarity.

Updating WAC for consistent terminology and clarity: Effective July 1, APS will be housed in the new chapter of 388-103 WAC. The new WAC moves APS regulations out of a Home and Community Service chapter and also provides many updates and clarifications.

This list represents only some of the work we’ve done to support staff, protect vulnerable adults and improve processes and training within the division. We’ve made great progress in the first half of the year and are excited to see what we can accomplish in the next six months!

Thank you for your ongoing dedication, service and ingenuity. Together, we keep improving our division to help achieve our mission of transforming lives.

HELLO FROM PAULA HUGHES

SUMMER TRAVEL

GRATITUDE SUBMISSIONS SHARE A MOMENT OF JOY Joy can be found even during difficulty. What are some little bright spots you’ve experienced throughout the past year? Did you learn a new hobby? Go on an adventure in your own backyard? Spend more time with your family and pets? Create something? Celebrate in a new way?

We want to hear from you! In our next edition, we’ll be sharing the bright spots from our staff.

Send a brief description and a photo to Mary Pasion at mary.pasion@dshs.wa.gov by September 1 to include your bright spot in the fall edition of the magazine!

3

Summer is here and as more activities begin to reopen, many of us are excited to begin traveling again! My family and I are road tripping down to Bend, OR and then headed to Santa Cruz, CA for my son’s lacrosse tournaments.

We’re excited to enjoy new scenery, foods, adventures and some much-needed beach time in Santa Cruz.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe as you plan your next getaway!

• Consider getting vaccinated: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people who are fully vaccinated can safely travel within the United States. Help protect yourself and others and make sure you’re fully vaccinated two weeks before your trip!

• Clean as you go: Pack hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. You may want to quickly disinfect certain surfaces in hotels or rental houses and you should wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

• Pick particular places and activities: If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, research the COVID-19 rate, safety precautions and travel requirements before booking your trip. Take advantage of the summer weather and recreate outside!

I hope your summer will be filled with lots of special memories! By taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family while you enjoy some fun in the sun.

REGIONAL EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Olympia, WA

Donna has been a loyal member of the APS team since January 2016.

Previously, Donna served as the Chief Probation officer for the City of Spokane for approximately 12 years before “retiring.”

Luckily, Donna wasn’t quite ready to fully retire and has been a great asset to APS! Donna’s background in law enforcement and the court systems have helped her to play a crucial role in some of our most difficult financial exploitation investigations.

Donna McBride

FE Specialist, Region 1

Donna is a teammate through and through. She never hesitates to help out a peer and is highly sought after for peer shadowing. Thank you, Donna, for everything you do!

Thrisa celebrated her one year anniversary with APS on June 1, 2021!

Thrisa shares her home office with her husband who is an artist. Thrisa and her husband are enrolled Nooksack tribal members and develop Northwest Coast Salish designs for jewelry, home décor, wall hangings and clothing. The couple donates their proceeds to causes such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Natives for Black Lives Matter and the American Indian Movement.

Thrisa Phillips Jimmy Investigator, Region 2

Thrisa is a devoted team member who is constantly looking for ways to grow professionally. We’re amazed at what Thrisa has accomplished during her first year with APS and can’t see what the future has in store!

CJ is an amazing lead in Region 3. She takes on any challenge without hesitation. Recently, she covered initial face to faces from Tacoma to Port Angeles while also managing investigations of her own. CJ assists with training and supporting staff in Bremerton and Port Angeles.

CJ consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and encourages others.

She has a deep understanding of APS and communicates closely with the team to make sure all details are accounted for.

CJ Balstad

Lead, Region 3

CJ has an approachable communication style that is effective with the diverse personalities of our staff and clients. Thank you for your contributions, CJ!

Bellingham, WA

REGION 1

REGIONAL SUCCESS STORIES

THOROUGH INVESTIGATION We worked with an alleged victim that had cerebral palsy and limited ability to communicate. The individual received services from the Department of Children, Youth and Families during childhood and did not have any family or a guardian to offer support after turning 18.

APS received a report alleging physical abuse of the individual and worked collaboratively with law enforcement.

A forensic interview and forensic review of the individual’s medical history were completed and it was determined that the individual experienced severe physical abuse.

Because of APS involvement, the individual was able to recover from injuries while in the hospital and APS coordinated protective services, including a guardian and a new living environment.

REGION 3 HELPING HEAL

A recent investigation included an elderly individual that left a facility against medical advice.

The individual had a wound that needed daily care.

The investigator visited the individual’s home and noticed general signs of self-neglect. The individual’s wound was down to the bone and hadn’t been treated since leaving the facility.

REGION 2

TIMELY RESPONSE Our team received a report alleging the self-neglect of an individual. The assigned investigator was able to immediately contact the reporter, perform an intake review and drive to the alleged victim’s home shortly thereafter.

The investigator knocked on the door repeatedly with no answer. A neighbor came to see what was going on and indicated that law enforcement had conducted a wellness check the day before. The neighbor had permission from the alleged victim to enter the home as needed to check in.

The neighbor found the alleged victim on the floor, unresponsive. The investigator called 911 and worked with first responders. The individual was transported to the hospital for diabetic treatment.

Thanks to the investigator’s quick response to the initial report, the individual was able to receive the necessary emergency treatment.

The individual refused many services, but agreed to have someone come treat the wound.

The investigator worked with a supervisor to arrange a referral with a Home and Community Services nurse to evaluate the wound. The nurse requested a doctor to visit as well.

The doctor said that the individual needed to go to the hospital.

The individual complied and received IV antibiotic treatments.

After treatment was complete, the individual transitioned to a facility and remains there today – content, healthy and receiving the appropriate care.

TIVA2 UPDATES • Release (1.10) is scheduled for Friday, August 13th.

• 90+ Day Performance Measure report published to Power BI in Summer 2021.

• TIVA2 release scheduled for December 2021 with more enhancements for intake and investigation.

Staying Safe in the

SUMMER SUN The sun is (hopefully) shining and many of us are ready for some much anticipated fun in the sun! As you grab your beach bags, head towards the campground, attend a baseball game or host a backyard BBQ, consider these tips to help keep you safe!

1. Wear your life jacket: Lakes and rivers in Washington are COLD. Many of our bodies of water come from glacier melt. Brrr! Even if it’s a sweltering hot day, the water can still be a frigid temp. Remember to wear your life jacket when recreating on the water. You never know when you might need it!

2. Hydrate: There’s an increased risk of dehydration with warmer weather. Even if you aren’t exercising strenuously, your body will need more water throughout the day. Pick out a reusable water bottle that works well for you and make sure to always have it on hand!

3. Limit sun exposure: It’s a great feeling to step outside and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. However, it’s important to protect yourself from harmful rays as you soak up the sun! It’s recommended to apply sunscreen with SPF 15+ at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply liberally at least every hour. If you’re planning to be outside all day, try to take breaks in a shaded area to give your body a break.

4. Be careful with campfires: The state is experiencing wide-spread drought this summer.

Check in with your local fire department to see if any burn bans are in place before you break out your s’mores materials.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that you have a fun, safe and successful summer!

Anacortes, WA

HEADQUARTERS SPOTLIGHT

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER In the spring, we received funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, provided by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Part of the funds are dedicated to marketing and public outreach.

Beginning this fall, we’ll be launching a campaign to help make APS a household name. We often hear from staff, community partners and the general public that many people have never heard about APS. The funds will be used to:

Karen Clark - Legal Benefits Advisor Karen has served as a legal benefits advisor for over a year. She enjoys working with her teammates, which she describes as being “generous and dynamic people.”

Karen began her role during the height of the pandemic, but that didn’t stop her from hitting the ground running! She worked diligently to build connections quickly, learn the ropes and adapt to a remote world.

Karen provides the team with excellent insight from her past legal experience working with vulnerable adults. She’s always willing to ask for clarification when needed and is dedicated to holding alleged perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable adults. Thank you for your contributions, Karen!

• Create a 30 second, animated explainer commercial to run on TV and social media • Create a two minute, animated explainer video created for mandated reporters and partners that provides details about APS reporting and services • Pay for advertisements of cable TV, radio, newspapers, billboards and bus ads • Purchase advertisement space in nonEnglish media outlets • Develop grassroots partnerships • And more!

Stay tuned for more information about the campaign timeline and progress!

APS Communications Corner is changing Our communications manager, Amanda McCarthy, is moving onto a new adventure with the WA State Parks! Thanks for your hard work and creative flair, Amanda!

We’ve begun recruitment to fill Amanda’s spot and will provide you with an introduction once the position has been filled. Be on the lookout for the new creative concepts to come.

GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER Understanding how our unique experiences contribute to a diverse workforce

Mai Yang is a Social Service Specialist Three and works in the Spokane APS Office. Mai began her career with DSHS in 1995 in the Economic Services Division. She later transferred to the Colfax Community Services Office and continued her career with Home and Community Services until 2015. Mai joined the APS team in March 2019 and has served as an integral part of the team ever since.

Mai’s childhood was unique. She was born in Laos and her family fled the country when she was four years old in response to the Vietnam conflict. Mai lived in a refugee camp surrounded by barbed wire in Thailand for five years with her family before

MAI YANG- SS3, SPOKANE

MAI’S STORY (CONTINUED) they were sponsored to move to America when she was nine years old. In 1980, she immigrated to Seattle with her family as refugees.

Mai and her husband have been married for almost 27 years. Together, they have six children ranging in age from 26 to seven. Her family consists of five daughters and one son. Mai is extremely proud of her family and their many accomplishments! (Her husband has a Ph.D., her son is the first Hmong professional motocross rider in the U.S. and her daughter the first Hmong American state title holder in the Miss America pageant system, just to name a few!)

Traditions are important to Mai and her family.

Each year, they look forward to the traditional New Year celebration held in December. Traditions include dressing up in Hmong clothing, gathering with fellow Hmong community members, enjoying delicious food and experiencing live entertainment. The celebration often includes demonstrations of traditional musical instruments, dance and occasionally a theatrical production to showcase one of the famous folklores.

When Mai is not at work, she enjoys gardening.

Working in the garden brings up many memories of helping out on her family’s farm while growing up. Mai’s family was one of the first Southeast Asia refugee families that participated in the Indochinese Farm Project developed in Seattle.

The program was designed to help newly arrived refugees from Southeast Asia become financially independent. Mai’s parents continued to sell vegetables and flowers at Pike Place Market and has been doing so since 1983. (If you visit Pike Place Market, make sure to stop by her family’s stall, Sua Yang Farm!)

Mai enjoys her work with APS and hopes to continue utilizing her experience as a social worker to help support others. Her father is a Catholic deacon and taught her how to work compassionately with a servant heart – values she carries with her every single day.

Thank You, Tara and Jill!

Thank you, Jill McCarl!

Soon we will say goodbye to Jill (Young) McCarl who has served as an exceptional Deputy Regional Administrator in Region 3. Her values, integrity and compassion are at the heart of everything she does as a leader. During her time with APS, Jill provided leadership in implementing many initiatives including facilitating a more collaborative process in the regional investigation review team (IRT), starting faux IRTs, training staff on the Trauma-Informed approach and a new, lean strengths-based support plan for investigators.

She completed the certification to become a Certified Diversity Professional and remains a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Jill has mentored and coached other leaders and everyone in Region 3 has benefited from her knowledge, skills and experience. We wish Jill much success and joy in her new endeavor and APS will miss her greatly!

- Written by Tara Fairfield

Thank you, Tara Fairfield!

I want to thank Tara for nine very successful years as the Regional Administrator in Region 3 and wish her all the best in her new preretirement adventure. Tara has led APS (HCS and APS) during some very exciting, and sometimes challenging, times. Over the years Tara has led the region through organizational change, budget cuts, temporary layoffs, hiring freezes, tremendous growth in staffing, APS becoming a separate division and of course COVID-19.

Tara is an advocate for staff and for providing quality services for those we serve. She has been innovative in ways that we can better serve vulnerable adults and support staff. She was key in bringing the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to APS. She has been an advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and hiring staff to focus on EDI activities and communities of practice. Her and her team developed the first Leadership Academy, now being used statewide in each region and at headquarters to mentor and develop future leaders.

Thank you, Tara, for your support, professionalism and leadership. We will miss you!

- Written by Kathy Morgan

UPCOMING APS EVENTS Afternoon Insights Date

Topic

Presenters

July 6th 1 PM - 2 PM

Special Population: DDA Clients and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

August 3rd 1 PM - 2 PM

Community Health Centers as community resources

September 7th 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Technology, Aging, and Ethical Considerations

Clara Berridge, PhD Assistant Professor, University of Washington

October 5th 1 PM - 2 PM

Healthy aging and health services

Cory Bolkan, PhD Associate Professor, Washington State University

November 2nd 1 PM - 2 PM

Fraud, Scams, and the Effect on Victims

Debbie Deem Financial Abuse Specialist Team Coordinator Ventura County California Retired FBI Victim Specialist

December 7th 12 PM - 1 PM

Rurality and Aging

Raven Weaver, PhD Assistant Professor, Washington State University

Registration Link

Michelle Sturdevant Joint Requirements Planner, Developmental Disabilities Administration Hannah Stanfield, MPA, PCMH Care Improvement and Innovations Manager, Washington Association for Community Health

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2627741942494040079

Coffee Break with Kathy | July 27 | 9 AM

Resources for APS Staff We’ve developed a map of community resources and services that are available to residents in Washington. The map will be available beginning July 1! https://teamshare.dshs.wa.gov/sites/hcs/aps/ SitePages/Resource%20Map.aspx

Chapter 388-WAC View the Rule Making Order form to learn about Chapter 388-WAC.

Edmonds, WA

Coupeville, WA