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APS Program Operational Plan: North Carolina

State/Territory/District North Carolina

Contact Karey Perez, Adult Services Section Chief

Karey.perez@dhhs.nc.gov, 919-855-4985

Budget Allocation $7,973,126

Timeline AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) OF 2021- Grant 1 

August 2021 – September 2023 $2,579,576

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 - Proposed Grant 2 

August 2022 – September 2024 $5,393,550

Vision 2025

The Vision clarifies what your ARPA Grant 1 Program 

aspires to become and to achieve. It is designed to 

inspire by providing a picture of where the program 

is heading in 3-5 years.

Note: If you are a part of a larger organization, does 

it have its own future vision? If so, you may want to 

adapt it to your own program.

The shared vision held by the APS Program of the North Carolina Division of Aging and 

Adult Services, County Department of Social Services, and key program stakeholders is 

to advance innovative solutions that foster and promote safety, independence, and the 

improvement of health and well-being for vulnerable adults.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 2

Mission Statement

Mission and Values statements can be an effective 

tool to educate the public; state and local 

government officials; state government agencies; 

provider agencies; and service recipients as to what 

the Adult Protective Services is and how they do 

business.

Mission Statements answer four key questions 

about your APS Program:

• Who do we serve?

• What needs do they have that we can fulfil?

• How do we meet those needs? How do we 

make the clients' lives better?

• Does it link directly to the Vision Statement?

Note: if you are a part of a larger organization, does 

it have its Mission Statement? If so, you may want 

to adapt it for your own program.

The APS Program of the Division of Aging and Adult Services works to promote the 

independence and enhance the dignity of North Carolina's older adults, persons with 

disabilities and their families through a person-centered, whole person care, communitybased system of opportunities, services, benefits, and protections.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 3

Guiding Principles / Core Values

Guiding Principles or Core Values guide internal 

processes and client interactions for your APS 

Program. 

Note: if you are a part of a larger organization, does it 

have its own set of Guiding Principles or Core Values? 

If so, you may want to adapt it for this program.

Belonging

Intentionally promote an inclusive, equitable workplace that reflects the communities 

we serve, where everyone feels a sense of belonging, and our diverse backgrounds and 

experiences are valued and recognized as strengths.

Joy

Have joy and balance at work so we all bring our A-game when serving the people of 

North Carolina.

People-Focused

Focus on the people we serve, deliver value and make a positive impact on their lives 

and communities.

Proactive Communication

Maintain an open and trusting environment for collaboration and continuous 

improvement with our team, stakeholders and the people we serve.

Stewardship

Be good stewards of resources and time to create a positive impact for those we serve.

Teamwork

We are all one department, one team, working toward one goal: to improve the 

health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians.

Transparency

Share expertise, information and honest feedback within the Department and with 

stakeholders and the community. Ask for help when needed.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 4

Goals for Program Improvement

These are goals to be obtained in order to move your APS 

program from current practices to your Vision.

Now that you have new funds targeted for your work with 

APS, what can be enhanced or improved in your current 

program? These goals must meet the APS Formula Grant 

requirements. It is recommended these goals become 

SMART goals (specific, measurable, actionable, and 

timely).

Using the results of your Environmental Scan, identify key 

issues that need to be addressed during this planning 

cycle. 

These are goals to move your APS Program from current 

practices to your Vision #1.

1. Establishment of a Leadership Team to direct and oversee the planning and 

implementation of APS Improvements. 

2. Planning and development to support the APS’ Strategic Training Program.

3. Establish and support of the Consistency of Practice Improvement Design Team as 

they plan and implement strategies to drive policy development, trainings, and 

policy interpretation that promote the consistent application of APS practices across 

NC.

4. Establish and support of the Community Stakeholder Engagement Improvement 

Design Team as they plan and implement strategies to promote collaboration within 

and across NC’s counties to enable stakeholders to share information and promote 

improved services and supports to NC’s elderly and vulnerable adults. 

5. Establish and support of the Community Education Improvement Design Team as 

they plan and implement strategies to promote sharing of information with 

community service providers to foster communities and families that are educated 

about adult protective services and supports. 

6. Establish and support of the APS Statutory Improvement Design Team as they 

plan and implement strategies to update NC APS laws that advocate for positive 

improvements and outcomes for those served by APS. 

7. Seek Executive Order support for APS Statutory Improvement Design Team and 

other NCDAAS designated stakeholders by conducting research, assessing findings, 

and recommending updates. 

8. Development of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Process Design Team to

plan and implement inclusive strategies that positively impact practices and 

processes which promote improved outcomes for North Carolina’s adult and aging 

population. 

*All goals will follow approved project charters to achieve identified deliverables. 
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 5

Targeted Improvement Projects

Using the results of your Environmental Scan and PESTEL, 

describe the targeted improvements and enhancements 

needed for this planning cycle. 

Your improvements should be concrete, measurable, and 

complete.

WHY is this improvement needed? 

What Purpose or NEED will it fill? 

What RESOURCES will be used? 

What ACTIVITIES will it entail? 

What are the direct OUTPUTS of the activities? What are 

the intended results and how will clients benefit?

See example on next page.

• Consistency of Practice – Engage in continuous quality improvement efforts to 

drive policy development, trainings, and policy interpretation that promote the 

consistent application of APS practice in NC

o Deliverables include:

 Development of design teams, meeting agendas, meeting 

summaries and progress updates

 Develop materials and present and attend DAAS forums

 CQI Implementation Plan

 CQI Tool

 Training Program Review and Recommendations Report

 Strategic APS Training Plan

 Develop and provide training curriculums for the Fundamentals 

of APS and Foundations for Aging and Adult Services

 Develop training curriculum and materials for four content 

areas

 Train the trainer program once per quarter up to three times

• Community Stakeholder Engagement – Promote collaboration within NC’s 

counties and across counties to enable stakeholders to share information and 

promote improved services and supports to NC’s elderly and vulnerable adults

o Deliverables include:

 Development of design teams, meeting agendas, meeting 

summaries and progress updates

 Develop materials and present and attend DAAS forums

• Community Education – Promote sharing of information with community 

service providers to foster communities and families that are educated about 

adult protective services and supports

o Deliverables include:

 Development of design teams, meeting agendas, meeting 

summaries and progress updates

 Monthly Community Education, Monthly Activity Memo

 Community Education Plan

 Develop materials and present and attend DAAS forums
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 6 

• APS Statutory Improvement – Implement updates to NC APS laws that 

advocate for positive improvements and outcomes for those served by APS

o Deliverables include:

 Development of design teams, meeting agendas, meeting 

summaries and progress updates

 Create and update (as necessary) the APS Statutory 

Improvement Implementation Plan

 Conduct research and document gaps and subsequent 

recommendations

 Compile national and state research and product from APS 

Statutory Improvement Plan into prepared presentations for 

specific stakeholder groups

 Executive Order Support Monthly Meeting Memo
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 7

Purpose/Needs 

to be filled by 

ARPA Funds

Inputs (Resourc

es Deployed)

Activities Outputs from 

Investment

Short-Term Outcomes Long-Term Outcomes

APS system is 

outdated and 

needs 

improvement.

$2,000,000 

contract with 

Public 

Knowledge, 

and oversight 

and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS

Team.

ARPA1-

PROJECT 1

APS 

Improvement 

Tasks

Establishment of a 

Leadership team to 

direct and oversee the 

planning and 

implementation of 

Design Teams to 

execute APS System

Improvements.

Establishment of 4 

APS System 

Improvement Design 

Teams. 

Development of APS 

Strategic Training 

Program.

County DSS’ will have 

additional access to 

training in key areas of 

APS.

Development of 

approved project 

charters to begin APS 

System Improvement 

work. 

Increased community 

stakeholder engagement. 

Increased community education.

Improved consistency of the 

application of APS practices

among County DSS’.

Implementation of APS statutory 

improvement.

All counties 

need to have an 

active MDT to 

deal with 

complex cases.

$200,000 

contract with 

UNC School of 

Government,

and oversight 

and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS 

Team.

ARPA1-

PROJECT 2 

MDT 

establishment 

and support for 

all 100 counties

- Execute 

contract with 

UNC School of 

Government.

1. An online training 

curriculum for team 

members who are at 

various stages of 

development of an 

MDT. 

2. An MDT “help 

desk” which would 

include one or more 

individuals who can 

serve as a resource 

for county teams. 

Training course for 

County DSS’ and other 

members of county 

MDTs. 

Established resource 

for questions 

regarding creating a 

new MDT or

addressing barriers of 

existing MDT’s are 

facing. 

Increased awareness and use of

highly trained MDTs. 

Establishment of additional MDTs

in all 100 counties. 
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 8 

Contract will 

cover the cost 

of creating a 

new online 

training 

curriculum and 

an MDT “help 

desk”.

Teams could, for 

example, need help 

with starting a new 

team, gathering 

information and 

resources to support 

their team’s work, or 

strategizing 

approaches for 

overcoming 

challenges facing their 

team.

3. Multi-day in person 

MDT trainings at the 

SOG for new and 

existing MDTs that 

focus on team 

building and 

collaboration.

4. A team of statewide experts

(fiduciary law 

attorneys, experts in 

the field of securities, 

insurance, Medicaid, 

Medicare or other 

types of fraud, 

geriatricians, forensic 

accountants, 

psychologists, mental 

health experts, 

substance abuse 

disorder experts, etc.) 

Access for County DSS’ 

to statewide experts.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 9 

that are available to 

support local MDTs 

when they have adult 

abuse, neglect, and 

exploitation cases 

that involve unique or 

challenging issues and 

do not have the local 

expertise to apply to 

the case.

5. A legislative team

that identifies (i)

challenges to the 

creation and growth 

of MDTs in existing NC

law and (ii) options 

for policy solutions. 

The team would 

consist of 

professionals working 

in the field of aging 

and adult services and 

members of MDTs.

The SOG could 

provide technical 

support.

Need to expand 

and develop APS 

training from 

foundational to 

advanced.

$177,151 

contract with 

UNC School of 

Social Work

and oversight 

and 

contributions 

ARPA1-

PROJECT 3 

Foundational 

and advanced 

training 

development - 

4 New training 

curriculums in APS

program areas.

County DSS’ have 

additional access to 

APS training in several 

content areas. Training 

courses will cover new 

skill areas. 

Increased ability for County DSS 

to receive reports, conduct

intakes and evaluations, 

plan/provide for services, make 

case determinations, 

documenting and closing cases, 

and continuous quality 
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 10

of DAAS/DHHS 

Team.

contract with 

UNC Cares. 

improvement topics that will 

improve outcomes for elderly

and disabled adults in NC. 

An online 

learning 

platform is 

needed to

enable DAAS to 

create new, 

advanced, and

evidenced based

training. 

$202,425 

contract to 

establish a

Learning 

Management 

System and 

oversight and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS

Team.

ARPA1-

PROJECT 4 

LMS Training 

Platform 

Established Learning 

Management System.

Improved access to 

training.

DAAS staff will have 

greater ability to 

provide virtual 

training.

Improved consistency of practice. 

Staff will be trained, leading to 

better outcomes and more 

consistent practices. 

New reporting 

software due to 

multiple 

outdated Adult 

Services data 

collection 

systems (Adult 

Protective 

Services Registry 

(APS-R), 

Disinterested 

Public Agent 

Guardian 

(DPAG), and 

Special 

Assistance Inhome (SAIH) 

Tacking Tool) 

that do not 

interact.

$1,500,000 

contract with a 

company to 

provide or 

create 

reporting 

software for

Adult Services

programs (APSR, DPAG, and 

SAIH) and 

oversight and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS

Team.

ARPA2-

PROJECT 1 

Adult Services 

Data

Management 

and Reporting 

Software (APSR, DPAG, and 

SAIH)

New Reporting 

System. 

Reduced time spent 

pulling and compiling 

reports, more accurate 

data, and additional 

reporting capabilities

across Adult Services 

programs. 

Improved ability to identify 

trends in APS, provide quality 

metrics, and report to systems 

such as NAMRS. 
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 11

Counties have 

minimal funding 

to help provide 

for immediate 

needs of APS 

clients.

$1,500,000

funding to 

assist County 

DSS in 

providing 

essential 

services to

vulnerable and

disabled adults.

ARPA2-

PROJECT 2

APS Essential 

Services Funding

This Essential Services 

Fund must be used to 

provide and arrange 

for essential needs on 

behalf of an individual 

receiving APS. These 

services include the 

provision of medical 

care for physical and 

mental health needs, 

assistance in personal 

hygiene, assistance 

with obtaining 

appropriate food, 

clothing, seeking and 

providing adequately 

heated and ventilated 

shelter, providing for 

protection from 

health and safety 

hazards, and 

protection from 

physical mistreatment 

and exploitation.

County DSS’ will have 

access to funding to 

assist those disabled 

adults in need of 

protection, where 

funding is limited or 

exhausted. 

Improved relationships with 

population served.

Identification of program areas 

that may need additional 

funding.

Increased protection and better 

outcomes for vulnerable and 

disabled adults in North Carolina.

Additional staff 

are needed in 

order to 

properly serve 

the 100 NC 

County DSS’.

$1,191,125 in 

funding, state 

HR, and DAAS 

leadership. 

ARPA2-

PROJECT 3

State Training 

and CQI 

Positions

Hire 7 additional state 

staff members for a 

two-year term.

Increase the number 

of staff available to 

create and deliver 

training, monthly 

consultations, and 

provide programmatic 

guidance.

Increased availability of training 

and programmatic guidance and 

oversight which will provide 

County DSS’ with additional 

knowledge and guidance to 

better screen for abuse, neglect, 

and exploitation and increase the 

protection they provide to 

vulnerable and disabled adults.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 12

An ongoing 

online learning 

platform is 

needed to

enable DAAS to 

create new, 

advanced and 

evidenced based 

training. 

$202,425 

contract to 

continue 

established

Learning 

Management 

System from 

ARPA 1 and 

oversight and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS

Team.

ARPA2-

PROJECT 4

LMS Training 

Platform 

Continuation of the 

established Learning 

Management System.

County DSS’ and 

Guardianship 

Corporations will

continue to have 

improved access to 

training.

DAAS staff will have 

greater ability to 

provide virtual 

training.

More County DSS staff will be 

trained, leading to better 

outcomes and more consistent 

practices for vulnerable and 

disabled adults. 

APS system is 

outdated and 

needs 

improvement. 

$1,000,000 

contract with 

Public 

Knowledge, 

and oversight 

and 

contributions 

of DAAS/DHHS

Team. 

ARPA2-

PROJECT 5

APS 

Improvement 

Tasks 

Continuation of 

efforts by design 

teams. 

Continued APS 

Improvement tasks.

Increased community 

stakeholder engagement. 

Increased community education.

Improved consistency of the 

application of APS practices 

among County DSS’.

Implementation of APS statutory 

improvement.
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 13

Budget / Spending Plan for ARPA funds – Semi-annually for 3 to 5 years

Budget/Spending Plan will be used to enhance, improve, and expand the ability of APS workers to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and 

exploitation. Be sure to use separate line items for each major improvement project.

Operational Plan Submission due by January 31, 2022.

ARPA 1- First Grant Allocation - August 2021 - September 2023

Description 2022 

Period 1

2022 

Period 2

2023 

Period 1

2023 

Period 2 Total

Project 1

APS Improvement 

Tasks- Contract 

with Public 

Knowledge $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $2,000,000 

Project 2

MDT establishment 

and support for all 

100 countiesContract with UNC 

School of 

Government $200,000 $200,000

Project 3

Foundational and 

advanced training

developmentContract with UNC 

CARES $177,151 $177,151

Project 4

LMS Training 

Platform $202,425 $202,425

Total $700,000 $702,425 $500,000 $677,151 $2,579,576

ARPA 2- Second Grant Allocation - August 2022 September 2024
APS Program Planning: North Carolina, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services Page 14

Description

2023 Period

1

2023 Period 

2

2024 

Period 1

2024 

Period 2 Total

Project 1

Adult Services (APS, 

DPAG, and SAIH)

Data Management

and Reporting 

Software $375,000 $375,000 $375,000 $375,000 $1,500,000

Project 2

APS Essential 

Services Funding $1,500,000 $1,500,000

Project 3

State Training and 

CQI Positions $297,781.25 $297,781.25 $297,781.25 $297,781.25 $1,191,125

Project 4

LMS Training 

Platform $202,425 $202,425 

Project 5

APS Improvement 

Tasks- Contact with 

Public Knowledge $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1,000,000

Total $2,422,781.25 $922,781.25 $922,781.25 $1,125,206.25 $5,393,550

Summary of ARPA 1 + ARPA 2 Expense

2022 

Period 1

2022 

Period 2 2023 Period 1 2023 Period 2

2024 Period 

1 2024 Period 2 Total

Summary $700,000 $702,425 $2,922,781.25 $1,599,932.25 $922,781.25 $1,125,206.25 $7,973,126