049-3 Wyo. Code R. §§ 3-1 - Protective Services

(a) Protective services may be provided or purchased by the Department to assist vulnerable adults to prevent or terminate abuse, neglect, self neglect, exploitation, intimidation or abandonment until the vulnerable adult no longer needs those services. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Social casework;

(ii) Case management;

(iii) Home care;

(iv) Day care;

(v) Social services;

(vi) Psychiatric, psychosocial or health evaluations; and/or

(vii) Other emergency services.

(b) Services may be offered at any time during the prevention, assessment or investigation track, in accordance with an action plan.

(c) If determined necessary by the Department, protective services may be furnished by the Department within three (3) days from the time the report or notice is received by the Department.

(i) The caseworker shall explain to the vulnerable adult the protective services which can be provided and he/she has the right to accept or reject services. If appropriate, the vulnerable adult shall be referred for services according to the least restrictive services within the continuum of care in each respective community.

(d) When a caregiver, family member, or individual is unwilling to accept services for a vulnerable adult, the Department may seek court intervention. The Attorney General or the district/county attorney may petition the court for an order pursuant to Wyo. Stat. § 35-20-106 enjoining the caregiver, family member, or individual from interfering with the provision of protective services.

(e) Costs incurred to furnish protective services may be paid by the Department unless the vulnerable adult is eligible for protective services from another governmental agency or any other source, such as, but not limited to:

(i) Public Health;

(ii) Department of Health, Aging Division;

(iii) Department of Health, Medicaid;

(iv) Department of Health, Division of Mental Health;

(v) Department of Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities; and/or

(vi) A court appoints a guardian or conservator and orders that the costs be paid from the vulnerable adult's estate.

(f) A written action plan shall be completed by the caseworker within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the investigation, prevention or assessment on all cases that remain open for services. The action plan shall include services that are to be provided by the Department, community service agencies and any relevant actions to be taken by the vulnerable adult and caregiver, family or individual.

(g) Cases shall be reviewed by the Department every three (3) months to determine if continuing services are necessary or if the case may be closed. Services beyond three (3) months must be approved by the District Manager.

Notes

049-3 Wyo. Code R. §§ 3-1