NCJ Number
146637
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 89-104
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the development of a decision tree to help health and human service workers make appropriate referrals to the State protective services unit and manage alleged and confirmed cases of elderly abuse and neglect.
Abstract
The decision tree was developed through interviews with key informants who represented the range of workers at all agencies in Hawaii likely to contact elderly mistreatment. Such workers are mandated under State law to report suspected cases of elderly abuse. The major components of the decision tree developed are the referral process, the community-based intervention process, and the formal court intervention process. In the referral section of the tree, the reporter answers the specified yes-no questions to determine whether the case is appropriate for referral to Hawaii's protective services unit. This depends on the client's level of dependence. If the case is accepted by protective services, the referring worker follows the section of the decision tree pertinent to the community- based intervention process. The worker stays involved to help develop a service plan and will probably manage the case when the crisis phase is over. If the case is not appropriate for or is not accepted by protective services, the decision tree instructs the worker to keep the case or refer it to a more appropriate agency. No matter who takes the case, the worker next explores the competency of the client to decide how a case should be handled. If a client does not appear competent, the worker follows the court intervention process to help the client receive needed services and protection. This article reports on the field testing and evaluation of the decision tree. A figure portrays the decision tree. 17 references