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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division has contracted with Hart Counseling Services of Jamestown to provide the Vulnerable Adult Protective Services Program in Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells counties.

The director of the department’s Aging Services Division, Jan Engan says “we are pleased to be working with a partner in the Jamestown region that has experienced staff and is familiar with services that can help vulnerable people maintain their health, safety, and independence.”

Hart Counseling Services will be responsible for the overall administration and implementation of the Vulnerable Adult Protective Services Program in the region.  Five staff members that include licensed independent clinical social workers and licensed social workers will respond to reports of possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation, conduct home visits to complete assessments, and make appropriate referrals for supportive services to help reduce or eliminate any risk or harm to a vulnerable adult.

Individuals living in the nine-county region can voluntarily report possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult by calling 701-952-8277 or region6vaps@daktel.com.  If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, law enforcement should be called immediately.  A reporter may remain anonymous.

A new North Dakota law requires certain professionals and other individuals to report possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.  Information on the mandatory reporting law, including reporting procedures, is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/adultsaging/reporting.html.

In 2013, the Vulnerable Adult Protective Services Program in the Jamestown region received about 180 reports of possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.