The Role of Data-Driven Policy Implementation in Adult Protective Services
 

By: Charlene Lane, Ph.D., LCSW, Bureau Director, Older Adult Protective Services, Pennsylvania Department of Aging

April 2025

In a time of evolving events and changing policies, it is crucial to understand the value of data-driven policy implementation. The data obtained through case documentation plays a key role in shaping policies and procedures, which is especially significant because policies directly influence practical implementation.
 

In fields where professionals meet the needs of persons who need services, the policies must be clear, specific, and designed with the well-being of those served in mind while balancing their right to self-determination. This is particularly important in older adult protective services (OAPS) in Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania has a bifurcated state system, with separate programs for older adults and younger adults with disabilities), where recent efforts have focused on community outreach and training related to financial exploitation and scams. This focus area aligns with a national increase in incidents of financial exploitation, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older. Here in Pennsylvania, the Department of Aging’s most recent older APS annual report showed that for the first time, financial exploitation has become the most reported form of abuse. 
 

The APS Final Rule defines financial exploitation as “The fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act or process of a person, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an adult for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an adult of rightful access to, or use of, their benefits, resources, belongings, or assets.” According to the National Council on Aging, older Americans lose nearly $28.3 billion annually due to financial exploitation. Additionally, older adults have become frequent victims of romance, lottery, and sweepstakes scams. In 2022, a staggering 88,262 older adults reported being affected by financial fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the number continues to rise as scams become more sophisticated. This alarming trend has led OAPS to ramp up efforts to safeguard vulnerable older adults from scams, with an emphasis on community education about the signs, detection, and reporting of such fraudulent activities.
 

As mentioned earlier, data-driven policy implementation is critical in addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable populations. The growing prevalence and complexity of financial exploitation and scams among older adults underscores the importance of national, state, and regional data in shaping practical solutions. Data not only drives service provision but, at times, prompts significant shifts in service delivery and educational approaches. 
 

In Pennsylvania, a multidisciplinary approach has been established to collaborate across various sectors. This includes APS for Adults with Disabilities, OAPS, the Department of Banking and Securities, community stakeholders, and Temple University. Together, this team works to provide community outreach and training focused on understanding, detecting, and reporting financial exploitation and fraud.
 

It is important to note that the trends in financial exploitation and scams in Pennsylvania closely mirror national statistics. As a result, Pennsylvania passed legislation (Act 48 of 2021 (HB 1429)) criminalizing the financial exploitation of older adults or care-dependent individuals by someone with the authority to act on their behalf, a family member, or any other trusted individual. 
 

As highlighted above, it is evident that data can be an effective tool in shaping policies at the national, state, and local levels. By leveraging data, we can improve protective services, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and ensure that resources are effectively allocated to meet the growing challenges of financial exploitation.

 

The APS Blog is updated regularly with posts from contributing authors and new publications from the APS TARC.

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