The name of the referring party, the information gathered and the results of APS evaluations are ordinarily kept private, though they may be revealed in court proceedings undertaken to protect the victim from further abuse or to regain assets. With complicated relationships and transactions, they are difficult to prosecute. APS is under funded. Once involved, they may be zealous. Unfortunately, they do not get involved often enough.
Perpetrators are often judgment-proof.
Individuals who take advantage of the frail elderly tend to have no other sources of income and may have expensive habits to support. Consequently, it is difficult to get private attorneys involved. Elderly victims often make poor witnesses. Prosecutors are concerned that they may not remember specific details, or that they not survive to the date of trial. Many remain susceptible to manipulation by their abusers even after discovery.