Competing Values in Serving Older and Vulnerable Adults: Adult Protective Services, Mandated Reporting, and Domestic Violence Programs

• NCJ Number: 244203
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Dated: November - December 2013 Pages: 453-468
• Author(s): Elizabeth P. Cramer, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.; Shane R. Brady, L.L.M.S.W.
• Date Published: December 2013
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the issue of elder abuse and the abuse of persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Abstract

State mandatory reporting statutes may directly or indirectly list domestic violence programs as among those that are mandated reporters of cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older individuals and those with disabilities. Domestic violence programs, however, may not consider themselves to be mandated reporters, because the responsibility of reporting abuse may be contrary to their programmatic philosophy. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the potential conflict between domestic violence programs and Adult Protective Services about the issue of mandated reporting has created tension between these organizations as each entity continues interpreting the issues and policies of mandated reporting through its own lens. The authors draw out some of the reasons for the conflict as well as make recommendations for improving relationships between the two organizations, which will ultimately benefit vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.