What happens if vulnerable adults have access to services addressing urgent needs that impact their health and safety? Four Minnesota area agencies on aging and counties across Minnesota created the WRAPS Resources program to find out.
Area agencies on aging partnered with county Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services Adult Protections Division to provide services to adults aged 18+ who were at risk of abuse, financial exploitation or neglect. Each client was assigned a case manager at the area agency of aging. The case manager could access a budget of up to $2,500 for each person to help stabilize their lives.
The year-long pilot project is done. The results are in, and they are promising.
Participants across the state
WRAPS Resources was funded through one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Arrowhead Agency on Aging, Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging, and Trellis participated in the program. Referrals came from 34 counties.
The WRAPS Resources program was available to people age 18+. The demographic breakdown of people served show that 88% were age 55 and older, a demographic that the AAAs are well-suited to address.
Meeting people’s most urgent needs
Eligible expenditures included consumable supplies such as food, clothing, medical equipment, cell phones, and personal hygiene and cleaning supplies. Emergency services included rental and utility assistance, deep cleaning of homes, trash removal, emergency housing, and pest control. Home modifications, transportation for essential needs, yard cleanup, snow removal, wheelchair ramps, life alert monitors, and moving services also qualified.
“People in the adult protective services system face a lot of barriers. Our job was to find out what they need most and connect them with resources that can help,” said Anu Narasimhan, WRAPS Resources manager at Trellis, the area agency on aging for the metro area.
One client’s home burned down, and the program provided basic furnishings for his new home. Another was at risk for being evicted. WRAPS Resources paid the back rent and prevented the eviction. Others needed deep cleaning and minor repair to their homes to continue their rental leases.
High satisfaction and high impact
The project received 456 APS referrals and delivered more than 1,200 services. Satisfaction levels were high with 88% of respondents saying they were satisfied and 87% saying that they received all the services that they needed. 100% of those who completed an impact survey said that the program improved their living conditions and 100% said the services they received helped them remain in their homes.
Pilot benefits to participants
County staff gave the partnership positive reviews and have expressed a high level of interest in continuing the program. “WRAPS Resources has allowed our staff to provide a touch of dignity to many individuals at a time they need it most,” said Carmen Castaneda, Hennepin County Adult Protection Services Program Manager.
Ongoing value in relationships
The relationships built between the AAAs and the county Adult Protective Services was one of the most significant outcomes of the pilot project. “We developed a much clearer understanding of the acute challenges people are facing in the community and by working hand-in-hand with county staff we were able to get the right resources to people when they needed them,” said Laurie Brownell, executive director at Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging. “These relationships will continue to be essential into the future. We believe the program has proved its value and we will be making a case for future funding.”
Recommendation for continued funding
The Department of Human Services engaged Minnesota Management and Budget, Management Analysis Division to analyze the results of the WRAPS Resources program. Key findings, include:
- Impact: For vulnerable adults—providing critical, timely support for vulnerable adults facing acute crises, such as displacement, financial exploitation, and abuse
- Positive Outcomes: 85% of APS programs reported clients gained access to services they would not have otherwise received
- Partnerships: Improved relationships and partnerships between AAAs and counties
- Future Potential: Counties strongly support continuation and expansion
Significantly, the Minnesota Management and Budget, Management Analysis Division’s recommendation is to secure ongoing funding for pilot continuation and expansion across the state.
Source: All images are from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Adult Protection