“Vulnerable adults” are people with a variety of conditions that limit their ability to understand or resist abuse or neglect. This can include frail elderly and other adults with dementia or memory impairments, developmental/intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, physical disabilities, social isolation, or substance abuse. The dangers include abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional ), neglect (including self-neglect), and financial exploitation. You can find more information at the website of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Bureau of Adult Protective Services.
Guidelines
Some important guidelines for those ministering to unrelated vulnerable adults:
- Work as a team — never be alone with an unrelated vulnerable adult.
- Maintain proper boundaries — this is a ministerial relationship of service and spiritual support.
- Take extreme caution with physical contact to ensure that it is unambiguous and appropriate.
- Never have any financial dealings with the person you are serving.
- Keep an eye out for warning signs of abuse or neglect, and if you see something, say something.
Training Class
Those who work with vulnerable adults as part of Archdiocesan ministries are invited to take a short training class on how to recognize and respond to adult abuse. The class is available in English and Spanish.
To register for the class, please visit the VIRTUS website. If you have previously taken a VIRTUS child protection class (“Protecting God’s Children”), log into your account. If you are a new user, follow the instructions to set up an account.
Once you have logged in, choose “Vulnerable Adult Training 2.0” from the training menu.
Reporting Abuse
To report adult abuse, call the New York State Bureau of Adult Services at 844-697-3505, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., or contact your local or county social services department Adult Protective Service bureau.