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APS Program Operational Plan: U.S. Virgin Islands

State/Territory/District U.S. Virgin Islands

Contact Ernie Pennyfeather, Hope Thornhill, Heather Richardson Henry

SME liaison Jennifer Kirchen

Budget Allocation $266,000

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

August 2021 – September 2023 $86,060

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 - Proposed Grant 2 

August 2022 – September 2024 

$93,880+ $86,060 = $179,940

1) 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.

Our Vision

The Adult Protective Services program of the VI Department of Human Services is 

geared toward becoming a premier APS Unit that provides responsive, efficient, and 

effective services designed to ensure the safety and improved quality of life of our 

elderly and disabled adults.
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 2

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 Department of Human Services is committed to emerge as a public sector agency 

that empowers individuals and families towards self-sufficiency through a seamless 

delivery system of services.

The Adult Protective Services Program of the U.S. Virgin Islands 

Department of Human Services exists to protect vulnerable adults from 

abuse, neglect, and exploitation by investigating and providing temporary 

assistance until risk is minimized and services are secured.
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 3

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.

Our Core Guiding Principles/Core Values

➢ We demonstrate RESPECT for our clients’ right to SELF 

DETERMINATION

➢ We ADVOCATE for the SAFETY and WELLBEING of at-risk elders 

and disabled adults 

➢ We hold ourselves ACCOUNTABLE by exercising DUE DILIGENCE

➢ We always behave in a manner that is TRUSTWORTHY
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 4

4) Environmental Scan 

An environmental scan is a description of your environment. It could be in narrative form or could be summarized in a chart that looks at your 

program’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the threats and opportunities created by factors in the external environment that you do not

control.

Tell us what is going on in your operating environment that caused you to choose the targeted improvements in #6. Provide Context and 

Justification for each improvement.

The PESTEL model is used to evaluate the external environment of your program by breaking down the opportunities and risks 

into Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. These will include national, state, and local trends that are likely to 

impact your APS program.

After describing the general environment in which you are operating, describe the specific trends or factors that caused you to choose the targeted 

improvements in #6. into Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. These will include national, state, and local 

trends that are likely to impact your APS program.

PESTEL Factors: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 5

SWOT

Internal

Strengths

✓ Adult Protective Services Policy and Procedures Manual

✓ Qualified APS Manager and Staff 

✓ Dedicated and caring staff.

✓ Client focused

✓ Client & family trust

✓ Support from Management

✓ Strong Partnerships with inter/intra agencies and 

Community organizations

✓ Legislative involvement in amending Elderly Laws

✓ NAPSA, APS TARC, and NAMRS affiliation and support

and training opportunities

Weaknesses

❖ High workload

❖ Insufficient staffing to serve growing elderly population 

and to fulfill mandate

❖ Inadequate vehicle to maneuver the V.I. terrains

❖ Scarcity of available nursing homes and elderly 

residential facilities

❖ Insufficient community resources

❖ Limited budget for growing needs

❖ Lack of Data to assess needs

❖ Internal perception that APS means All Problems Solved

External

Opportunities

➢ Available ARPA Funding will help to grow and 

strengthen APS staffing and service deliverables

➢ Growing elderly population

➢ Growing Media Outlets offers opportunities for

increased Public Awareness Campaigns through 

social media and digital billboards

➢ Available in-home elderly services: Medicaid 

Personal Care Attendant program is growing. 

Medicaid pays for these in-home services 

provided by Medicaid providers to Medicaid 

recipients.

➢ APS TARC assistance to revise current APS Policy 

and Procedures Manual and Forms

Threats

▪ Scarcity of Licensed Social Workers for hire

▪ Loss of available funding

▪ Increased complex cases involving financial 

exploitation

▪ Families not taking care of their loved ones

▪ COVID Pandemic

▪ Natural Disasters 9Hurricane, Tsunami, etc.)

▪ Salaries not competitive/attractive

▪ Growing elderly population

▪ Perception that APS means All Problems Solved
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 6

Additional Information

Environmental Scan SWOT was completed with input from crude surveys and conversations with Division of Senior Affairs staff and Families of 

clients, medical social workers, and community health workers.
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 7

5) Goals for Program Improvement

These are goals to be obtained 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.

STAFFING

1. Extend employment of one (1) fulltime Social Worker to alleviate staff 

shortage issue.

TRAINING

2. Develop an APS Training Plan by March 2022. As part of the TP, identify gaps 

and conduct monthly APS training on APS’ Best Practices using a blended 

approach of case conferencing, in-house training, webinars, seminars, etc. 

3. By June 2022, conduct at least 2 training activities with Financial Institutions 

in the Territory on Elderly Abuse and Financial Exploitation to raise 

awareness. 

SERVICES

4. Establish an Emergency Voucher Fund (EVF) that is available to meet

emergency situations including need for food, supplies, short-term 

emergency housing, and wrap around services by April 2022.

5. By May 2022, launch the V.I. Medical Alert Safety System (VI MASS) to offer 

support to elders who live alone to get emergency help when they need it.

Public Awareness

6. Update APS promotional material to increase APS awareness by 2023

7. Hold ongoing Public Awareness Drives using the local media, social media,

and local Digital billboards to keep the community informed about the ANE 

of the elderly and vulnerable adults.
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 8

6) 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 client’s benefit?

See example on next page.
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 9

EXAMPLE: Illustrate targeted improvements using a Logic Model Framework

Purpose/Needs 

to be filled by 

ARPA Funds

Inputs (Resources 

Deployed)

Activities Outputs from 

Investment

Short-Term Outcomes Long-Term Outcomes

Based on the 

results of your 

Environmental 

Scan and 

PESTEL, what 

needs of your 

APS Program 

will be served 

by the ARPA 

funds?

Should be a 

clear 

“connection” 

with the 

Environmental 

Scan items.

People, financial, 

organizational, or 

community 

resources

Directed

toward doing 

the activity.

Improvemen

t

Projects 

Identify the 

“What” for 

each 

targeted 

improvemen

t, with 

enough 

context and 

information 

to explain.

Direct products of 

program activities. 

May include

types, levels, 

and targets of services 

to be delivered by the 

program. 

Examples include num

ber of people served, 

number of events 

held, and number of 

units 

of service provided.

Specific changes 

in behavior,

knowledge, skills, 

status, or level of 

functioning in 1 year.

Internal Benefits.

Specific changes in 

behavior, knowledge, 

skills, status, or level 

of functioning. 

Long-Term outcomes should be 

achievable within the 2-to-5-year 

timeframe of grants.

Benefits to your Clients.

Need for 

operating 

supplies such as 

Hand Sanitizer, 

PPE, Cleaning 

Supplies

$7,000 ARPA 1 

Project 1

Operating 

Supplies

Operating Supplies 

purchased 

APS program has 

sufficient Operating 

supplies available

Vulnerable adults safer because 

of PPE and hand sanitizers are 

available
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 10

Need for 

medical 

supplies such as 

Medical Alert 

Bracelets and 

necklaces for 

seniors living at 

home alone

$20,000 ARPA 1 

Project 2

Medical 

Supplies

Lifeline type Fall alert 

program in place 

Medical Supplies such 

alert bracelets 

available to distribute 

as needed.

Vulnerable Adults living at home 

alone are safer and protected 

from falls

Food for 

emergency

services

$4,060 ARPA 1 

Project 3

Emergency 

Food 

Services

# of food vouchers 

submitted 

Emergency food 

available for APS staff 

to distribute in 

emergency situations

Vulnerable seniors less likely to 

suffer hunger in emergency 

situations

Need for 

temporary 

housing in 

emergency 

situations such 

as Covid

outbreaks

$30,000 ARPA 1 

Project 4

Emergency 

Housing

Short hotel

stays

# of days shelter 

provided

APS staff have 

emergency housing

options available to 

treat victims

Vulnerable adults have a safe 

place to stay in emergency 

situations

Need for Chore 

Services such as 

cleaning and 

sanitizing after 

Covid infections 

and moving 

heavy objects 

for elderly 

clients

$10,000 ARPA 1 

Project 5

Chore 

Services

# of chore visits 

provided

APS staff have chore 

services options 

available to assist 

vulnerable adults

Vulnerable adults able to stay in 

their home due to availability of 

chore services
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 11

APS vehicles 

need repairs

$2,000 ARPA 1 

Project 6

Vehicle 

Repairs

# of Vehicle repairs 

and services 

performed

APS staff have use of 

properly functioning 

vehicle(s) 

Vulnerable adults receive needed 

services without delay from APS 

vehicle problems

Need for 

outreach / 

training forums 

during Covid 19

to share 

information, 

solve problems 

and improving 

quality of 

service

$8,000 ARPA 1 

Project 7

National APS 

Staff training

# of training forums 

held

APS staff able to reach 

and assist more 

potential victims

Vulnerable adults receive better 

care, especially with regards to 

Covid pandemic

Need reserve 

fund for 

emergency 

professional 

services 

$5,000 ARPA 1 

Project 8

Emergency

Fund

# of clients served 

with emergency 

services

APS staff have 

resources available to

assist more vulnerable 

adults

Vulnerable adults able to receive 

professional services in 

emergency situations with funds 

that had not been available in the 

past

High Workload 

and Insufficient 

staff present 

the context for 

the need to 

continue 

employment of 

one fulltime 

Social Worker

$61,695.75

Fulltime

Social Worker 

Salary $49,643.00

Fringes $12,052.75

TOTAL: $61,695.75

ARPA 2 

Project 1

Support

Service 

Coordinators

Extend 

employment 

of Social 

Services 

Updated Procedure 

manual

Updated referral 

forms 

Social Services 

Coordinators remain in 

place and work on 

procedure manual and 

referral forms in 

addition to existing 

duties

Vulnerable adults receive the 

best possible services from an 

adequately staffed APS program 

with clear procedures and 

efficient processes

Commented [HRH1]: 
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 12

Coordinators

–

Continuation 

of Covid 

Project

Update APS 

Procedures 

Manual and 

Referral 

forms

Client need for

a variety of

Wraparound 

goods and 

services 

$66,414.25

$7,000 Operating 

Supplies

$20,000

Medical Supplies

$4,060 Emergency 

Food

$25,354.25

Emergency 

Housing

$10,000 Chore 

Services

ARPA 2 

Project 2

Wraparound 

Services 

Operating Supplies

and PPE purchased 

Medical Supplies 

Available

Funds available for 

emergency food and 

housing

APS program has 

sufficient Operating 

supplies available

Vulnerable adults safer because 

of PPE and hand sanitizers are 

available wraparound services

APS vehicles 

need repairs

$2,000 ARPA 1 

Project 3

# of Vehicle repairs 

and services 

performed

APS staff have use of 

properly functioning 

vehicle(s) 

Vulnerable adults receive needed 

services without delay from APS 

vehicle problems
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 13

Vehicle 

Repairs

Ongoing 

vehicle 

maintenance

Need for 

outreach / 

training forums 

during Covid 19 

to share 

information, 

solve problems 

and improving 

quality of 

service

$8,000 ARPA 1 

Project 4

National APS 

Staff training

# of training forums 

held

APS staff able to reach 

and assist more 

potential victims

Vulnerable adults receive better 

care, especially with regards to 

Covid pandemic

Need reserve 

fund for 

emergency 

professional 

services 

$5,000 ARPA 1 

Project 5

Emergency 

Fund

# of clients served 

with emergency 

services

APS staff have 

resources available to 

assist more vulnerable 

adults

Vulnerable adults able to receive 

professional services in 

emergency situations with funds 

that had not been available in the 

past

Lack of quality 

data to assess 

needs

$33,880 (details to 

be determined)

Possible external 

consultant or 

database provider

ARPA 2 

Project 6

Database

Database needs 

identified by time X

Database created and 

populated by time Y

Data needs 

determined and 

resources to create 

and populate database 

identified

Data available and regularly 

analyzed to understand needs of 

Vulnerable Adults and provide 

most appropriate solutions and 

services

Environmental 

scan identified 

that Growing 

Media Outlets 

offers 

$3,000

Public Awareness 

Program

ARPA 2 

Project 7

Public 

Awareness

Proper media outlets 

identified by time X

Public Awareness 

materials developed. 

Media Outlets 

Public is aware of the existence 

of Adult Protective Services and 

understands what services they 
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 14

opportunities 

for increased 

Public 

Awareness 

Campaigns 

through social 

media and 

digital 

billboards

The Adult 

Protective Services 

(APS) Unit will 

organize 

training/outreach 

forums for sharing 

information, 

solving problems, 

and improving the 

quality of services 

for victims of elder 

and vulnerable 

adult during the

COVID-19 

pandemic.

Public awareness 

materials developed

by time Y

# of media campaigns

implemented

identified and 

contracted with

provide, and what they cannot 

do

APS program receives the proper 

client referrals

7) 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 Note: Each period is approx. 6 months

Description 2022 

Period 1

2022 

Period 2

2023 

Period 1

2023 

Period 2 Total

Project 1

Operating 

Supplies $1,750 $1,750 $1,750 $1,750 $7,000

Project 2

Medical 

Supplies $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $20,000
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 15

Project 3

Emergency 

Food Services $1,015 $1,015 $1,015 $1,015 $4,060

Project 4

Emergency 

Housing $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $30,000

Project 5

Chore 

Services $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $10,000

Project 6 Vehicle Repair $500 $500 $500 $500 $2,000

Project 7

National Staff 

Training $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $8,000

Project 8

Emergency 

Fund $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $5,000

Total $21,515 $21,515 $21,515 $21,515 $86,060

ARPA 2- Second Grant Allocation - August 2022 September 2024

Description

2023

Period 1

2023 

Period 2

2024 

Period 1

2024 

Period 2 Total

Project 1 Social Worker $15,423.93 $15,423.94 $15,423.94 $15,423.94 $61,695.75

Project 2

Wraparound 

Services $16,603.57 $16,603.56 $16,603.56 $16,603.56 $66,414.25

Project 3 Vehicle Repair $500 $500 $500 $500 $2,000

Project 4

National APS 

Staff training $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $8,000

Project 5

Emergency 

Fund $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250 $5,000

Project 6 Database $0 $0 $16,940 $16,940 $33,880

Project 7

Public 

Awareness $737.50 $737.50 $737.50 $737.50 $2,950

Total $36,515 $36,515 $53,455 $53,455 $179,940
APS Program Planning Template: State/Territory/District-Specific Focus Page 16

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 $21,515 $21,515 $58,030 $58,030 $53,455 $53,455 $266,000

Categories may include:

• Development Operational Plan 

• Staffing (include FTE or Consulting Agreements)

• Training

• Technology Upgrade 

• Equipment

• Administrative Costs

• Transportation

• Wrap-around services