Improving Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes: A Stepped-Care Social and Mental Health Engagement Program

Improving Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes: A Stepped-Care Social and Mental Health Engagement Program

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week social engagement program aimed at reducing depression and increasing social engagement among seniors who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services (APS) for either elder abuse or self-neglect.

Inclusion Criteria:

Older Adults

• an APS validated EM/SN case
• able to provide informed consent
• able to speaks English or Spanish
• able to hear sufficiently using the telephone
• transitioning out of APS intervention (i.e. in the case closure phase of the APS service).

Student

• college or university student
• enrolled in a health-related program
• commit to making 8-weekly consecutive calls
• complete the required 1-hour training and assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

Older Adults

• Individuals needing a proxy to consent
• suspected or confirmed decision-making capacity impairments or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, delusion, or delirium

Student

-only engaging in the program to fulfill some educational requirement