Racial/Ethnic Group Differences in Older Adults’ Involvement with Adult Protective Services

Abstract

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.