There is no formal process for requesting a review when a county department of social services (DSS) determines that a report does not meet the criteria to be accepted for an APS evaluation. However, individuals who believe a report was improperly screened out have several options.
Options include:
- Contact the APS social worker or supervisor. The reporter may ask for clarification regarding the APS screening criteria. If important information was omitted or misunderstood, the reporter can provide additional details for consideration.
- Make a new APS report. If the reporter obtains new information suggesting the disabled adult is in need of protective services due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, a new report may be made. The county DSS will evaluate the new information to determine whether it meets APS screening criteria.
- Consult with the DSS director. If the reporter has concerns about whether APS screening requirements, law, or policy were properly followed, those concerns may be brought to the attention of the DSS director.
- Contact the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section. Reporters may contact state staff to discuss concerns about APS policy interpretation or implementation. The North Carolina Division of Social Services (the Division) provides policy oversight and technical assistance to county APS programs, but it does not function as an appellate body and cannot require a county to accept a report for evaluation if the APS screening criteria are not met. Written correspondence may be sent to the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section, 2401 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 or you may call the Division at (919) 855-3400.
