Protective Services: Reality in Louisiana

Recent budget cuts have forced significant reductions in staff at the Elderly and Adult Protective Services offices (APS and EPS) in LA.  

“APS is responsible for investigating and arranging for services to protect adults with disabilities at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or extortion. APS clients may include people who have mental retardation, mental illness, or substance abuse problems, as well as those with medical problems or physical disabilities.”

Link to APS website: http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=95

“EPS is the program administered by the State of Louisiana with regional offices that respond to reports of suspected abuse or neglect against persons aged 60 and older. EPS acts to prevent, remedy, halt or hinder acts of abuse and neglect against an elder adult in the community, while promoting the maximum possible degree of personal freedom, dignity and self-determination. Only when other efforts fail will EPS recommend referral or admission to an appropriate care facility for the elder adult, or seek judicial remedy to the situation.”

Link to EPS website: http://goea.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=5&pnid=2&nid=16

Have you attempted to called APS or EPS?  Have you reported a problem to APS or EPS?  Tell us about your experiences -please email advocacycenter@advocacyla.org or call Koki Otero at 1-800-960-7705, ext. 126.