This is a basic guideline for accessing services provided by Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department.

Program Area: Adult Protection / Common Entry Point

Contact Number: 612-348-8526

Program Summary: Investigation and protective services for maltreated vulnerable adults

Program description

Target population:

Maltreated vulnerable adults per MN. Statute 626.557. Maltreatment is defined as:

  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • emotional abuse
  • neglect, either self-neglect or caregiver neglect
  • financial exploitation

A categorical Vulnerable Adult is an adult 18 and over who:

  • lives in a facility licensed by the Minnesota Health Department or the Minnesota Department of Human Services;
  • receives nonresidential services at a program licensed by the MN Department of Human Services;
  • Receives home health services or Medical Assistance-funded personal care assistance services.

A functional Vulnerable Adult is an adult over 18 who:

  • posseses a physical, mental, or emotional infirmity that impairs the individual's ability to meet their own basic needs, and
  • impairs the individual's ability to protect themselves from maltreatment

Services:

  • Investigation and assessment of vulnerable adult reports through Common Entry Point
  • Development of a safety plan
  • Coordination of resources and supports, both formal and informal, to implement the safety plan
  • Resolution of maltreatment through short-term services
  • Provision for long-term, on-going supports through referrals to department and community resources

Conditions of eligibility:

  • The individual must meet the statutory criteria for a vulnerable adult and the incident must involve maltreatment as defined by MN Statute 626.557 and 626.5572
  • The maltreatment must have occurred in Hennepin County

Referral procedures

How to obtain services:

Call 612-348-8526. Caller may choose to remain anonymous.

MN Statute 626.557 states "reporter shall immediately make an oral report to the Common Entry Point. Use of a telecommunications device for the deaf or other similar device shall be considered an oral report."  Nursing homes, boarding care homes, and hospital swing beds that are federally regulated may submit reports electronically to the Common Entry Point.

Intake locations:

Phone answered 24 hours, 7 days/week.

What to expect:

Assessment of reports will begin within 48 hours of receiving the report. Emergency situations will receive an immediate response. Reports will be referred to law enforcement if there is a reason to believe a crime has been committed.

Other pertinent information:

Vulnerable adults have an impaired ability to protect themselves from harm and are often reluctant to report maltreatment. That's why it is so important for family members, friends and others to report abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation if you suspect something is going on.

Additional information:

Learn more about these services on this Adult Protection / Common Entry Point page.

 

Last Update: 8/09/10