Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Journal

Journal of Gerontological Social Work

DOI

10.1080/01634372.2023.2191118

PMID

36939147

Abstract

This paper represents the first study to focus on quantifying racial/ethnic group differences in older adults' involvement with adult protective services (APS).  Across 3 independent county programs, the rate of APS reports was about twice as high for Black older adults compared to White older adults.  These differences were greater for clients who were older and male but remained similar across allegation type.  The percent of reports validated was slightly but consistently lower for Black clients than for White clients, and a lower percentage of Black clients' cases were closed due to investigation or service refusal. Findings for Hispanic clients differed by county, so it was impossible to generalize about their APS experience.  Researchers should distinguish racial/ethnic group differences that persist across multiple programs from those that are program-specific.  Further studies with larger data sets are needed to guide APS practice and ensure equity for all clients served.  .

Keywords

Aged, Humans, Male, Ethnicity, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, White, Government Agencies, Racial Groups, Elder Abuse, Adult protective services, elder mistreatment, aged, disparities, ethnicity, race

Published Open-Access

yes

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