The National Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance

Resource Center

FFY2016 Data Report - Release 1

August 22, 2017

 
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

August 22, 2017 i

Acknowledgements

The Administration for Community Living gratefully acknowledges the voluntary submission of 

data to the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) by the States, District of 

Columbia, and Territories. Without the support of the Adult Protective Services (APS) staff, 

supervisors, and program administrators’ collection of data and reporting into state systems, it 

would have been impossible to have achieved the historical, first submission of data (FFY2016) 

into the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System.

In addition, we applaud the work of the

➢ Elder Justice Coordinating Council in making the collection of data regarding adult 

maltreatment a priority issue;

➢ Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Planning and 

Evaluation (ASPE) support of the initial development and piloting of NAMRS; and,

➢ Numerous experts, university faculty, medical researchers, and national organizations 

representing the field of adult maltreatment who provided guidance on NAMRS 

development.

Disclaimer

This project was funded by the Administration for Community Living under contract no. HHSP233201500042I. The statements contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the 

views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services and Administration for 

Community Living.
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Contents

Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................3

Background ..................................................................................................................................................4

Introduction of FFY2016 Data Report Release 1 .....................................................................................8

Structure of Data Report Release One..............................................................................................8

Component and Data Submission ..............................................................................................................9

State Component Submissions..........................................................................................................9

Agency Component....................................................................................................................................10

Agency Component Submission......................................................................................................10

Agency Component-Data Source....................................................................................................11

Agency Component-Staff................................................................................................................11

Agency Component-Intake Model..................................................................................................12

Agency Component-Reports...........................................................................................................12

Agency Component-Time (Days) ....................................................................................................13

Agency Component-Maltreatment Types.......................................................................................13

Agency Component-Standard of Evidence .....................................................................................14

Agency Component-Assessment Tool.............................................................................................14

Agency Component-Service Gaps...................................................................................................15

Key Indicators Component.......................................................................................................................16

Key Indicators Combined Submission .............................................................................................16

Key Indicators Combined-Investigations and Clients......................................................................17

Key Indicators Combined-Clients by Case Closure Reason .............................................................17

Key Indicators Combined-Victims...................................................................................................18

Key Indicators Combined-Maltreatment Types among Victims.....................................................19

Next Steps...................................................................................................................................................20

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions.................................................................................21
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Executive Summary

The idea of a national reporting system for adult abuse, similar to the system for child abuse 

reporting has been discussed for decades. The leadership of HHS Assistant Secretary for 

Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) and Administration for Community Living (ACL) directed the 

development and piloting of an adult abuse reporting system in 2013 based on data from state 

APS agency information systems. The project was funded by Administration for Community 

Living through an interagency agreement with ASPE. The project team conducted extensive 

outreach to gain an understanding of information needs. More than forty state administrators, 

researchers, service providers, and other individuals in the field participated in stakeholder 

calls. Over thirty state representatives from twenty-five states participated in three in-person 

working sessions to discuss the uses of collected data and the key functionalities that should be 

included in a national system. ACL contracted with WRMA, Inc. to develop and pilot a system. 

The National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) was developed and piloted with 

nine states during the years 2013-2015. Nine states volunteered to pilot and test the system 

from January through May 2015. A final report of the pilot phase was published by ASPE in 

September 2015.

From October 2015 through February 2017, ACL, through its Adult Protective Services Technical 

Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC), operated by WRMA, Inc., refined and built the final 

system and provided training and technical assistance to states in preparation of the first 

NAMRS submission. States, the District of Columbia, and five territories received training and 

assistance in preparation for and during their submission of FFY2016 information and data. The 

U.S. Office of Management and Budget (#0985-0054) gave approval for submission of data in 

March 2017. Fifty-four (54) APS reporting jurisdictions volunteered to participate by providing 

(APS) information and data. For NAMRS, a reporting jurisdiction is the officially designated APS 

office in each state, territory, or district. In this report, APS reporting jurisdictions will be 

referred to as “states” for ease of reading. 

NAMRS is an annual, voluntary system to collect both summary and de-identified case level 

data on APS investigations. NAMRS consists of three components.

1. Agency Component, comprised of state policy and practice information.

2. Case Component, comprised of data on client characteristics, services and perpetrator 

characteristics, provided by states that have report-level tracking systems.

3. Key Indicator Component, aggregated data on key statistics of investigations and 

victims, provided by states that do not have report-level data tracking systems or are 

unable to provide case-level data.

States are asked to submit Agency Component data and to select to submit either Case 

Component or Key Indicator Component data.
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Information regarding the Federal Fiscal Year 2016 (FFY2016) data will be provided in a series of

separate report releases. This first release contains information and data the reporting states 

provided in their historical first submission. These FFY2016 data were entered into the NAMRS 

by states in early 2017. ACL is aware that the field is anxious to see the preliminary data and 

approved a series of report releases to address these desires. This release contains a summary 

of data submitted by states. As is common practice, ACL will continue over the next years to 

study the data set and provide further public research findings. ACL is also in the process of 

developing protocols for requesting additional NAMRS data. 

In this first release, we report upon the submission of information and investigation data by 

states, the District of Columbia, and territories (states). This report contains information about

the quantity and type of data submitted by states. In summary, fifty-four (54) of fifty-six (56) 

states submitted Agency Component information. Forty-four (44) states submitted either Key 

Indicators or Case Component. We explain the content of these components in this report.

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Two will include a Key Indicators /Case Component 

Combined Report and we will describe FFY2016 data pertaining to victim and perpetrator 

demographics. The Combined Key Indicators report will have Key Indicator data from 20 states 

and the extraction of the same Key Indicator data reported by 24 other states in their Case 

Component case records. The combined Key Indicator report presents data from 44 states.

Report Release Two will explain the demographic groupings, definitions, and the resources that 

guided the development of the demographic data categories. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Three will provide a Case Component Submission 

Summary. The Case Component data provided by 24 states includes case level information 

about the investigation of maltreatments, clients, victims, services, and perpetrators. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Four will cover Key Indicator and Case Component related

data not highlighted in previous release reports. 

WRMA, Inc. will prepare additional discussion papers to explore certain results in more depth 

and pose questions for on-going discussion of the topic area. Focus areas to be discussed with 

and approved by ACL are yet to be determined. These papers will be developed during federal 

fiscal year 2018.

For more information about NAMRS please direct inquiries to ACL Program Officer: 

Stephanie.WhittierEliason@acl.hhs.gov
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Background

The idea of a national reporting system for adult abuse, similar to the system for child abuse 

reporting has been discussed for decades. The leadership of HHS Assistant Secretary for 

Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) and Administration for Community Living (ACL) directed the 

development and piloting of an adult abuse reporting system in 2013 based on data from state 

APS agency information systems. The pilot effort addressed the Elder Justice Coordinating 

Council’s recommendation to develop a national APS system based on standardized data 

collection and a core set of service provision standards and best practices. The project was 

funded by Administration for Community Living through an interagency agreement with ASPE. 

The project team conducted extensive outreach to gain an understanding of information needs. 

More than forty state administrators, researchers, service providers, and other individuals in 

the field participated in stakeholder calls. Over thirty state representatives from twenty-five

states participated in three in-person working sessions to discuss the uses of collected data and 

the key functionalities that should be included in a national system. ACL contracted with 

WRMA, Inc. to develop and pilot a system. The National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System 

(NAMRS) was developed and piloted with nine states during the years 2013-2015. Nine states 

volunteered to pilot and test the system from January through May 2015. A final report of the 

pilot phase was published by ASPE in September 2015.

From October 2015 through February 2017, ACL, through its Adult Protective Services Technical 

Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC), operated by WRMA, Inc., refined and built the final 

system and provided training and technical assistance to states in preparation of the first 

NAMRS submission. States, District of Columbia, and five territories received training and 

assistance in preparation for and during their submission of FFY2016 information and data. The 

U.S. Office of Management and Budget (#0985-0054) gave approval for submission of data in 

March 2017. Fifty-four (54) APS reporting jurisdictions volunteered to participate by providing 

(APS) information and data. For NAMRS, a reporting jurisdiction is the officially designated APS 

office in the state, territory, or district. In this report, APS reporting jurisdictions will be 

referred to as “states” for ease of reading. 

NAMRS is an annual, voluntary system to collect both summary and de-identified case level 

data on APS investigations. NAMRS consists of three components.

1. Agency Component is comprised of state policy and practice information.

2. Case Component is data on client characteristics, services and perpetrator 

characteristics, provided by states that have report-level tracking systems.

3. Key Indicator Component consists of aggregated data on key statistics of investigations 

and victims, provided by states that do not have report-level data tracking systems or 

are unable to provide case-level data.

States are asked to submit Agency Component data and to select to submit either Case 

Component or Key Indicator Component data.
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The information and data provided in the report releases are reflective of the information and 

data states provided for this historical first submission of FFY2016 data entered into the system 

in 2017. There has been no in-depth analysis of the NAMRS data by researchers. It is typical 

that data analysts and researchers will spend an average of two years studying a data set 

before providing public research findings. ACL is in the process of developing protocols for 

requesting additional NAMRS data.

The reader is cautioned to be mindful of the limitations of data in this report. As stated above, 

this is the first year of data submission. While states aspire to submit information in all data 

fields, they are unable to do so now. When creating the national reporting system, 

consideration was given to the fact that APS programs vary from state to state. Here are a few 

examples of the uniqueness of APS programs:

➢ Variability in who is served: A state’s statute may require that all adults, 18 years of age 

and older with reported alleged maltreatments will receive an investigation, and if 

needed, protective services. Other states’ statutes may specify population served as: 

60 years of age and older, 18 to 59 years old with a developmental disability, adults 

living in the community and not in institutions, etc.

➢ Variability in handling reports: Many states require that a report of alleged 

maltreatments be investigated and a determination be made as to whether the 

allegation can be substantiated. A few states based on their state statute do not 

investigate or make a substantiation (determination) of alleged maltreatment reports.

Instead, staff assess a person for risk of maltreatment and need for protective services. 

➢ Variability in recording information: Until NAMRS, there has never been a national 

reporting system for adult maltreatment. States have created their own state 

information systems to collect data based on state guidelines and definitions. 

States are asked to voluntarily submit data to NAMRS in one of the following combinations for

the Federal Fiscal Year reporting period:

➢ Agency Component only, or 

➢ Agency Component and Key Indicators, or 

➢ Agency Component and Case Component data.

The information and data requested is a combination of data that most states typically collect 

along with aspirational data not commonly gathered at the state level. APS programs and 

experts recommended collecting data that would enhance the understanding of the 

characteristics and experiences of adults who are abused and the abusers.

➢ The Agency Component includes agency information such as name, addresses, and 

contact information. The Agency Component also collects information on states 

statutes, policies and practices. 
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➢ The Key Indicators include aggregated counts of key statistics related to an 

investigation, clients, and perpetrators. This component is designed to collect data that 

are most commonly computed by states. 

➢ The Case Component includes information pertaining to each report that is screened in 

and investigated by the adult protective services (APS) agency. The information is 

specific to the investigation, including the clients, maltreatments, and perpetrators 

associated with the specific investigation. 

States have mapped data from their reporting systems as closely as possible to NAMRS. They 

volunteered staff time and resources to make the submission possible. Currently many data 

details are in case records in narrative format and are not yet retrievable as a data element for 

reporting into NAMRS. Over the years, it is anticipated that states will be able to:

➢ evolve their information systems to collect a larger number of data elements;

➢ incorporate additional data elements into their systems;

➢ train staff on new data collection; and,

➢ report additional data into NAMRS. 

This first release of FFY2016 data includes submission of information and investigation data by 

states, the District of Columbia, and territories (states). This report lists the amount and type of 

data submitted by states. Fifty-four (54) of fifty-six (56) states submitted Agency Component 

information. Forty-four (44) states submitted either Key Indicators or Case Component

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Two will include a Key Indicators /Case Component 

Combined Report and FFY2016 data pertaining to victim and perpetrator demographics. The 

Combined Key Indicators report is a merger of Key Indicator data from 20 states and the 

extraction of the same Key Indicator data from Case Component case records data submitted 

by 24 states. The combined Key Indicator report represents 44 states. The Report Release Two 

will explain the demographic groupings, definitions, and the resources that guided the 

development of the demographic data categories. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Three will provide a Case Component Submission 

Summary. The Case Component data provided by 24 states includes case level information 

about the investigation of maltreatments, clients, victims, services, and perpetrators. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Four will cover Key Indicator and Case Component related 

data not highlighted in previous release reports. 

WRMA, Inc. will prepare additional discussion papers to explore certain results in more depth 

and pose questions for on-going discussion of the topic area. Focus areas to be discussed with 

and approved by ACL are yet to be determined. These papers will be developed during federal 

fiscal year 2018.
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Introduction of FFY2016 Data Report Release 1

Structure of Data Report Release One

The first release of FFY2016 NAMRS data includes information and data derived from the state 

submissions of information and data by 48 states, the District of Columbia, and the five

territories, totaling 54 reporting jurisdictions referred to as “states” in this report. Each state

submitted Agency Component. Forty-four (44) also submitted either Key Indicators or Case 

Component.

The Agency Component is a wealth of information about the uniqueness of each state program. 

In addition to the data elements, states provided narratives regarding statutes, policies and 

procedures, investigative practices, data systems, intake processes, staffing, training, and client 

assessments. Narrative information such as state statutes, policies, training, etc. will be used in 

developing future discussion papers. 

The Key Indicators provide high-level aggregate data regarding clients, victims, and 

perpetrators. The Case Component includes the same information at an individual level in 

terms of each report that is screened in and investigated by the APS agency. For purposes of 

reporting, we merged Key Indicator data from the 20 reporting states and extracted the same

data from the Case Component case records data submitted by 24 states. This merged data is 

referred to as Combined Key Indicators and represents data from 44 states.

In this first submission year, no state could provide all Case Component or Key Indicators data

elements., This was expected based on the work done with states to prepare for the FFY 2016 

submission. States were encouraged to provide as much information as possible. The 

submission process is evolutionary and the quantity and quality of data submitted will increase 

over time as states improve information systems by adding to their ability to collect additional 

data elements and train staff on new data elements.

Definitions for the data elements reference in this report are available in Appendix A: Data 

Element and Value Definitions.
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Component and Data Submission

State Component Submissions

This section of the Report depicts the response rates to the three NAMRS components. All 54

states that elected to participate submitted the Agency Component. The second decision for 

states was to submit either Key Indicator or Case Component data. States could submit Case 

Component if their automated information system allowed for extraction of investigation 

specific, case-level data. If unable to provide detailed data, states submitted aggregated counts 

via the Key Indicator component.

The following exhibit provides component submission details for FFY2016.

Exhibit 1 State Component Submission

 Number of States, District, and Territories that participated in NAMRS 54

Component # of States, District, 

and Territories

% of states out of 

possible 56 

# of States and 

District # of Territories

Did not participate 2 3.6% 2 -

Agency Only 10 17.9% 7 3

Agency and Key Indicators 20 35.7% 18 2

Agency and Case 24 42.9% 24 -
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Agency Component

Agency Component Submission

The Agency Component has 12 data elements that include 7 numerical fields and 5 narrative 

fields. The following exhibit reflects response rates for the data elements. The optional 

narrative fields allow states to describe unique state statutes, policies, populations served, and 

method of collection of data. We have not included the narrative submissions in this report.

Narrative information such as state statutes, policies, training, etc. will be included in future

reports on these data and information.

Exhibit 2 Agency Component Submission

Number of States, District, and Territories that submitted AC 54

Data Element # of States that 

submitted data element

% of states out of 

possible 56

% of states out of 54 that 

submitted

Data Source 52 92.9% 96.3%

Investigator FTEs filled 47 83.9% 87.0%

Supervisor FTEs filled 44 78.6% 81.5%

Intake Model 53 94.6% 98.1%

Reports Accepted for Investigation 49 87.5% 90.7%

Reports Not Accepted or I&R/I&RA 42 75.0% 77.8%

Response Time 45 80.4% 83.3%

Completion Time 39 69.6% 72.2%

Maltreatment Types 53 94.6% 98.1%

Standard of Evidence 50 89.3% 92.6%

Assessment Tool 51 91.1% 94.4%

Service Gaps 24 42.9% 44.4%

Note: These reports of maltreatment are assessed for next steps of either (1) investigate and/or assess for 

intervention and services; or (2) provision of information, assistance and referral for services. 
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Agency Component-Data Source

The data source represents the entity from which the data was gathered. Examples of “APS 

and Other Agencies” includes but is not limited to agencies responsible for maltreatment 

investigations, licensing and certification agencies, and regulatory authorities.

Agency Component-Staff

The agency component staffing reflects the numbers of full time equivalent (FTE) positions.

Exhibit 4 Agency Component-Staff

Staff

# of states that 

submitted data 

element

% of states out 

of possible 56 Count

Count of 44 

states that 

provided both

% using the 

44 states

Ratio 

Investigators to 

Supervisors 

Investigator 

FTEs filled

47 83.9% 6,079 4,859 80.5%

4 : 1

Supervisor FTEs 

filled

44 78.6% 1,180 1,180 19.5%
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Agency Component-Intake Model

Centralized intake hotline or call-in number provides a single point of entry for reports of 

maltreatments. Decentralized options include regional or county hotlines or call-in numbers. 

Agency Component-Reports

Maltreatment reports were assessed for next steps of either (1) investigation and/or 

assessment for intervention and services; or (2) provision of information, assistance and 

referral.

Exhibit 6 Agency Component-Reports

Reports

# of states that 

submitted data 

element

% of states out 

of possible 56 Count Count of 42 states that provided both

Count 

using the 

42 states

% using the 

42 states

Reports Accepted 

for Investigation 49 87.5% 728,049 556,730

1,499,043

37.1%

Reports Not 

Accepted or 

I&R/I&RA

42 75.0% 942,313 942,313 62.9%
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Agency Component-Time (Days)

The response time is the length of time from receipt by APS of an alleged maltreatment to APS 

contact with the client. The completion time is the length of time in days from investigation 

start to investigation completion. 

Exhibit 7 Agency Component-Time (Days)

Time (Days) # of states that submitted data element % of states out of possible 56 Average Days

Response Time 45 80.4% 4.2

Completion Time 39 69.6% 47.0

Agency Component-Maltreatment Types

Each state has distinct laws and policies defining what types of adult maltreatment the APS

program will investigate or assess. See definitions of maltreatment types in Appendix A: Key Indicators Data 

Elements.

Exhibit 8 Agency Component-Maltreatment Types

Number of States, District, and Territories that submitted data 53

Maltreatment Types # of states that selected the type % of states out of 

possible 56

% of states out of the 

53 that submitted

Abandonment 24 42.9% 45.3%

Emotional Abuse 41 73.2% 77.4%

Exploitation (non-specific) 28 50.0% 52.8%

Financial Exploitation 44 78.6% 83.0%

Other Exploitation 23 41.1% 43.4%

Neglect 53 94.6% 100.0%

Physical Abuse 51 91.1% 96.2%

Sexual Abuse 47 83.9% 88.7%

Suspicious Death 10 17.9% 18.9%

Self-Neglect 50 89.3% 94.3%

Other 20 35.7% 37.7%
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Agency Component-Standard of Evidence

Each state has distinct laws and policies defining what standard of evidence is used for 

substantiating (determining) an allegation of maltreatment. See definitions of maltreatment types in

Appendix A: Key Indicators Data Elements.

Agency Component-Assessment Tool

Each state has distinct laws and policies defining whether APS personnel use standard 

assessment tools throughout the state, such as client safety, at risk factors, or behavioral 

conditions. See definitions of maltreatment types in Appendix A: Key Indicators Data Elements.
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Agency Component-Service Gaps

The information provided on client service gaps, reflects the APS programs’ efforts to arrange 

or make referrals for needed services for clients/victims. Service gaps are an indication that 

services may not be available or are limited, perhaps due to lack of providers or funding.

Exhibit 11 Agency Component-Service Gaps

Number of States, District, and Territories that submitted data 24

Service Gaps # of states that selected 

the service

% of states out of 

possible 56

% of states out of 24 

that submitted

Care/Case Management Services 10 17.9% 41.7%

Caregiver Support Services 11 19.6% 45.8%

Community Day Services 11 19.6% 45.8%

Education, Employment, and Training Services 7 12.5% 29.2%

Emergency Assistance and Material Aid Services 11 19.6% 45.8%

Financial Planning Services 13 23.2% 54.2%

Housing and Relocation Services 19 33.9% 79.2%

In-home Assistance Services 10 17.9% 41.7%

Legal Services 12 21.4% 50.0%

Medical and Dental Services 10 17.9% 41.7%

Medical Rehabilitation Services 8 14.3% 33.3%

Mental Health Services 15 26.8% 62.5%

Nutrition Services 9 16.1% 37.5%

Public Assistance Benefits 6 10.7% 25.0%

Substance Use Services 10 17.9% 41.7%

Transportation Services 14 25.0% 58.3%

Victim Services 8 14.3% 33.3%

Other Services 8 14.3% 33.3%
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Key Indicators Component

Key Indicators Combined Submission

In this release report one, several data highlights are being provided. As mentioned in the 

executive summary, it takes time to review and process national data. Future report releases 

and discussion papers will continue to highlight significant data from the Key Indicators 

combined submission data and the Case Component data.

The Key Indicators Combined Submission chart below indicates response rates for the 20 Key 

Indicator data elements. Key Indicators (aggregated counts derived by the state) were 

submitted by 20 states. We derived the same Key Indicators for 24 additional states using the 

data in the Case Component case-level records as mentioned previously. The chart below 

illustrates the Combined Key Indicators submissions for 44 states.

Exhibit 12 Key Indicators Combined Submission

Number of States, District, and Territories that submitted KI or Case 44

Data Element

# of states that submitted 

data element % of states out 

of possible 56

% of states out of 

44 that submitted

KI Case Total

Investigations closed 20 24 44 78.6% 100.0%

Clients who received an investigation 20 24 44 78.6% 100.0%

Clients who received interagency coordination 13 5

18 32.1% 40.9%

Clients by case closure reason 20 20 40 71.4% 90.9%

Clients found to be victims 20 23 43 76.8% 97.7%

Victims by Age Group 16 22 38 67.9% 86.4%

Victims by Race 12 21 33 58.9% 75.0%

Victims by Ethnicity 10 18 28 50.0% 63.6%

Victims by Gender Identity 15 23 38 67.9% 86.4%

Victims receiving benefits 3 6

9 16.1% 20.5%

Victims with disabilities 11 10 21 37.5% 47.7%

Victims with behavioral conditions 4 7

11 19.6% 25.0%

Victims by maltreatment type 20 23 43 76.8% 97.7%

Victims with guardian or conservator 3 4

7 12.5% 15.9%

Victims who received or were referred for 

services 13 8

21 37.5% 47.7%

Perpetrators by Age Group 9 17 26 46.4% 59.1%

Perpetrators by Gender Identity 10 20 30 53.6% 68.2%

Perpetrators with kinship relationship 11 20 31 55.4% 70.5%

Perpetrators with association to victim 8 5

13 23.2% 29.5%

Perpetrators with legal remedy recommendations 3 2

5 8.9% 11.4%
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Key Indicators Combined-Investigations and Clients

The following chart shows the number of closed investigations; the number of clients receiving 

an investigation; and interagency coordination on behalf of clients.

Exhibit 13 KI Combined - Investigations and Clients

Data Element # of states that submitted data element Count

Investigations Completed/Closed 44 661,832 

Clients who received an investigation 44 877,286 

Clients who received interagency coordination 18 66,988 

Key Indicators Combined-Clients by Case Closure Reason

FFY2016 data submissions were of cases closed during the FFY reporting period.

See definitions of case closure reasons in Appendix A: Key Indicators Data Elements

Exhibit 14 KI Combined - Clients by Case Closure Reason

Number of States, District, and Territories that submitted data 40

Clients by Case Closure Reason # of states that 

selected reason Count %

Investigation completed 31 293,047 34.7%

Investigation completed and protective services case 

completed 24 240,775 28.5%

Investigation unable to be completed (non-specific) 18 17,359 2.1%

Investigation unable to be completed due to death of client 

during investigation 12 5,141 0.6%

Investigation unable to be completed due to refusal of client 11 6,918 0.8%

Protective services case opened but not completed (nonspecific) 10 3,453 0.4%

Protective services case closed due to death of client 13 3,320 0.4%

Protective services case closed due to client decision to not 

continue 15 21,839 2.6%

Other 16 236,093 27.9%

Unknown 11 17,320 2.0%
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Key Indicators Combined-Victims

In NAMRS, a client is considered a victim if at least one maltreatment allegation within an 

investigation has the disposition “substantiated.” Definitions for maltreatment types, 

substantiation, and other data elements may be found in Appendix A. The following table 

provides the count of victims and some characteristics as submitted by the states. 

Exhibit 15 KI Combined - Victims 

Data Element # of states that submitted 

data element

% of states out of 

possible 56 Count

Clients found to be victims 43 76.8% 267,202

Victims receiving benefits 9 16.1% 15,200

Victims with disabilities 21 37.5% 62,227

Victims with behavioral conditions 11 19.6% 21,481

Victims with guardian or conservator 7 12.5% 246

Victims who received or were referred 

for services 21 37.5% 34,843
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Key Indicators Combined-Maltreatment Types among Victims

Each state has distinct statutes and policies guiding: the types of alleged maltreatment 

investigated; substantiation of an allegation of maltreatment; or no substantiation of an 

allegation of maltreatment because a client is only assessed for being at-risk and in-need of 

services. Another distinction between APS programs is that not every state investigates reports 

of all of these maltreatment types. 

See definitions of maltreatment types in Appendix A: Key Indicators Data Elements.
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

August 22, 2017 20

Next Steps

Information regarding the Federal Fiscal Year 2016 (FFY2016) data will be provided in a series of 

separate report releases. This first release of FFY2016 data includes this report on the 

submission of information and investigation data by states, the District of Columbia, and 

territories (states). This report lists the amount and type of data submitted by states. Fifty-four 

(54) of fifty-six (56) states submitted Agency Component information. Forty-four (44) states 

submitted either Key Indicators or Case Components.

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Two will include a Key Indicators /Case Component 

Combined Report and FFY2016 data pertaining to victim and perpetrator demographics. The 

Combined Key Indicators report is a merger of Key Indicator data from 20 states and the 

extraction of the same Key Indicator data from Case Component case records data submitted 

by 24 states. The combined Key Indicator report represents 44 states. The Report Release Two 

will explain the demographic groupings, definitions, and the resources that guided the 

development of the demographic data categories. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Three will provide a Case Component Submission 

Summary. The Case Component data was provided by 24 states includes case level information 

about the investigation of maltreatments, clients, victims, services, and perpetrators. 

The NAMRS FFY2016 Report Release Four will cover Key Indicator and Case Component related 

data not highlighted in previous release reports. 

WRMA, Inc. will prepare additional discussion papers to explore certain results in more depth 

and pose questions for on-going discussion of the topic area. Focus areas will be discussed with 

and approved by ACL. These papers will be developed during federal fiscal year 2018.

When developing and creating the system, valuable input was received from stakeholders 

regarding their concerns and expectations. The reporting of data into the system is completely 

voluntary. We are appreciative of states’ efforts to participate to the fullest extent possible. 

This tells us that APS administrators, staff, and advocates realize the value of learning from 

nationally submitted data to address the needs of clients and victims; to target prevention 

services; and to use data to more effectively manage APS programs.
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions August 22, 2017 21

FFY 2016 Data Report - Release 1

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions

Agency Component Data Elements: Agency Profile 

Data Element Definitions

Data Sources The sources of information used to submit data this year to NAMRS:

• APS agency only

• APS and other agencies

Investigator FTEs filled Number of filled APS FTEs responsible for the hotline and/or conducting investigations.

Supervisor FTEs filled Number of filled APS FTEs responsible for supervision.

Intake • Centralized or localized intake of APS reports.

• Centralized at a statewide hotline or call in number

• Combination of both statewide and local hotlines or call in numbers

• Local at county or regional hotlines or call in numbers

• Other

Reports Accepted for 

Investigation

Number of reports accepted for investigation during the reporting period.

Reports Not Accepted, or 

Resolved Through I&R/I&RA

Number of reports that were either not accepted by APS for investigation, or were 

resolved through Information and Referral (I&R) / Information and Referral Assistance 

(I&RA).

Response Time The length of time (days) from receipt of call or notice of alleged maltreatment to face-toface contact with the client by the APS worker, based on the standard set by policy or 

practice.

Investigation Completion Time The length of time (days) from investigation start to investigation completion, based on the 

standard set by policy or practice.

Types of Maltreatment Indicates which types of maltreatment are investigated by APS. See definitions of 

maltreatment types in Key Indicators Data Elements.

• Abandonment

• Emotional abuse

• Suspicious death

• Self-neglect

• Exploitation (non-specific)

• Financial exploitation

• Other exploitation

• Neglect

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Other

Standard of Evidence Standard used for substantiating an allegation of maltreatment.

• Clear and convincing

• Credible, reasonable, or probable cause

• Different standards based on type of perpetrator

• No state standard

• Preponderance

• Other
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions August 22, 2017 22

Data Element Definitions

Assessment Tools Indicates whether APS personnel use standard assessment tools throughout the state, 

such as client safety, at risk factors, or behavioral conditions.

Service Gaps Indicates which services are not available or accessible in the state.

Care/case management 

services

Development and implementation of a service plan to mobilize the formal and informal 

resources and services identified in the assessment to meet the needs of the client. 

Includes the development and oversight of a plan to ensure the safety and well-being of 

the client; developing a safety plan with a person’s support network; referring and 

arranging support services, etc.

Caregiver support services Assistance to family and other informal caregivers to improve or sustain capacity for 

caring for the older adult or adult with disabilities. Includes counseling, support groups, 

training, respite, etc.

Community day services Services or activities provided to adults who require care and supervision in a protective 

setting for a portion of a 24-hour day. Includes out of home supervision, health care, 

recreation, and/or independent living skills training offered in centers most commonly 

known as Adult Day, Adult Day Health, Senior Centers, and Disability Day Programs.

Education, employment, and 

training services

Services and activities to assist people in achieving or maintaining economic self-support. 

Includes training programs, job coaches, supported employment, senior employment 

programs, and public school individualized education plans.

Emergency assistance and 

material aid services

Providing, arranging for, or facilitating the provision of medical, social service, economic, 

emergency, or support services. Includes financial assistance or referral for food, clothing, 

energy/utility assistance, and home repairs/modifications; environmental clean-up of 

client’s home including but not limited to removal of trash, extermination services and 

cleaning; relocation assistance; urgent medical expenses not typically covered by 

insurance (eye glasses, dentures); emergency housing/shelter; etc.

Financial planning services Services or activities to assist in managing finances or planning for future financial needs. 

Includes meeting with bank officials, financial planning, estate planning, money 

management, and retirement income planning.

Housing and relocation 

services

Services or activities designed to assist in the obtaining of suitable or safe housing and 

living arrangements. Includes tenant counseling; helping to identify and correct 

substandard housing conditions; making moving arrangements and minor renovations to 

personal residence; and relocating to institutional care or facility care.

In-home assistance services Services or activities provided to clients to achieve or maintain self-sufficiency. Includes 

homemakers and home health aides; visiting and telephone reassurance; chore 

maintenance; personal care services, etc.

Legal services Legal counsel and representation provided by an attorney to address civil matters such as 

housing issues and advance care planning, and criminal matters.

Medical and dental services Services and activities designed to assist individuals and families to attain and maintain a 

favorable condition of health; includes evaluations.
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Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions August 22, 2017 23

Data Element Definitions

Medical rehabilitation services Services and activities for persons with developmental or physical disabilities, or persons 

with visual or auditory impairments, are services or activities to maximize the potential of 

persons with disabilities, help alleviate the effects of physical, mental or emotional 

disabilities, and to enable these persons to live in the least restrictive environment 

possible. Includes training in mobility, communication skills, the use of special aids and 

appliances, self-sufficiency skills for people with disabilities, occupational therapy, 

physical therapy, speech and language pathology, early intervention and other therapies 

that help people learn the skills they need to live, learn, work and play in their 

communities.

Mental health services Services and activities, including commitment, assessment, and evaluations, for people 

with behavioral health conditions characterized by dysregulation of mood, thought, and/or 

behavior, as recognized by the DSM-5. Includes services and activities that apply 

therapeutic processes to personal, family, situational, or occupational problems in order to 

bring about a positive resolution of the problem or improved individual or family 

functioning or circumstances.

Nutrition services Services and activities, including appeals and applications, to provide food to a client 

lacking recommended daily nutritional requirements and/or Activities of Daily Living (ADL) 

limitations. Includes home delivered meals, nutritional counseling, congregate meals, 

senior farmers’ market program, etc.

Public assistance benefits Services and assistance to provide a safety net for disadvantaged individuals who lack 

the resources to provide basic necessities for themselves and their families. Includes 

such programs as financial aid (TANF), nutrition (SNAP), energy assistance (LIHEAP), 

health care (Medicaid), etc.

Substance use services Services and activities primarily designed to deter, reduce, or eliminate substance abuse 

or chemical dependence. Includes a comprehensive range of personal and family 

counseling methods, methadone treatment for opiate abusers, or detoxification treatment 

for alcohol abusers. Services and activities may be provided in alternative living 

arrangements such as institutional settings and community-based halfway houses.

Transportation services Services or activities that provide or arrange for the travel, including travel costs, of 

individuals in order to access services, or obtain medical care or employment.

Victim services Services and activities provided to, or on behalf of, victims at any stage of the criminal 

justice process, including post sentencing services and support. Includes programs 

supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse of older women, violence 

against women, and general crimes which are being handled by the police or prosecutors’ 

offices.

Other services Client receives services and activities not included in the categorizations provided.
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions August 22, 2017 24

Key Indicators Component Data Elements

Data Element Definitions

Investigations closed Number of investigations closed during the reporting period.

Clients who received an 

investigation

Number of clients involved in an investigation that was closed or completed during the 

reporting period.

Clients who received 

interagency coordination

Number of clients referred to an agency in which an interagency coordination was part of the 

investigation.

Case Closure Reason: 

Investigation completed

The case was closed after a finding was made on the allegation of maltreatment, the 

investigation was closed, and no ongoing protective services case was opened.

Case Closure Reason: 

Investigation completed and 

protective services case 

completed

The case was closed after the investigation was completed, additional protective services 

were provided, and the protective services case was closed.

Case Closure Reason: 

Investigation unable to be 

completed (non-specific)

A finding was not able to be made on the allegations of maltreatment for an unspecified 

reason and the case was closed.

Case Closure Reason: 

Investigation unable to be 

completed due to death of 

client during investigation

The client died during the investigation, the investigation was terminated without a finding, 

and the case was closed.

Case Closure Reason: 

Investigation unable to be 

completed due to refusal of 

client

The client refused to cooperate with the investigation worker, the investigation was terminated 

without a finding, and the case was closed.

Case Closure Reason: 

Protective services case 

opened but not completed 

(non-specific)

The protective services case was terminated prematurely; reason not specified.

Case Closure Reason: 

Protective services case closed 

due to death of client

The client died during the case and the case was closed.

Case Closure Reason: 

Protective services case closed 

due to client decision to not 

continue

The client decided not to continue work with the protective services agency, and the case was 

closed.

Case Closure Reason: Other Case was closed for a reason not included in the categorizations provided.

Clients found to be victims Number of victims in which at least one maltreatment disposition was substantiated per 

investigation.

Victims who received one or 

more benefits

Number of victims who received one or more benefits.
NATIONAL ADULT MALTREATMENT REPORTING SYSTEM FFY2016 DATA Report- Release 1

Appendix A: Data Element and Value Definitions August 22, 2017 25

Data Element Definitions

Victims with one or more 

disabilities

Number of victims with one or more disabilities.

Victims with one or more 

screened or diagnosed 

behavioral conditions

Number of victims with one or more screened or diagnosed behavioral conditions.

Victims with guardian or 

conservator at start of 

investigation

Number of victims with guardian or conservator at start of investigation.

Victims who received services 

or were referred for services by 

APS

Number of victims who received services or were referred for services by APS.

Maltreatment: Abandonment The desertion of a person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care 

for that person, or by an individual with physical custody of another person.

Maltreatment: Emotional abuse The infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. This includes but 

is not limited to verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment.

Maltreatment: Exploitation 

(non-specific)

The illegal or improper use of an individual or of an individual’s funds, property, or assets for 

another’s profit or advantage.

Maltreatment: Financial 

exploitation

The illegal or improper use of an individual’s funds, property, or assets for another person’s 

profit or advantage.

Maltreatment: Other 

exploitation

The illegal or improper use of an individual for another person’s profit or advantage, including 

exploitation of person, servitude, etc.

Maltreatment: Neglect The failure of a caregiver or fiduciary to provide the goods or services necessary to maintain 

the health or safety of a person. Includes acts of omission and of commission; includes willful 

deprivation, etc.

Maltreatment: Physical abuse The use of force or violence resulting in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. Excludes 

sexual abuse.

Maltreatment: Sexual abuse Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind, including sexual contact with any person 

incapable of giving consent.

Maltreatment: Suspicious death An unexpected fatality or one in which circumstances or cause are medically or legally 

unexplained.

Maltreatment: Self-neglect A person’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform 

essential self-care tasks including obtaining essential food, clothing, shelter, and medical 

care; obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, or 

general safety; or managing one’s own financial affairs. Includes hoarding.

Maltreatment: Other A type of maltreatment not included in the categorizations provided.