Adult Protective Services News

Protecting Montana's Vulnerable Adults from Exploitation

Exploitation of vulnerable adults is a serious issue that affects many Montanans. It involves the abuse of power or trust to take control of a vulnerable adult’s money, assets, or property through deception, coercion, fraud, undue influence, or intimidation. Each year, older adults lose more than $28 billion due to exploitation, with family caregivers and social safety net programs often bearing additional costs.

In Montana, the Adult Protective Services (APS) bureau works tirelessly to address and combat exploitation. In 2023 alone, APS investigated 2,541 reports of exploitation, with the numbers for 2024 trending even higher.

APS is committed to protecting and supporting vulnerable adults in the state, as demonstrated by a recent case where an APS investigation, in conjunction with the FBI and Fergus County Sheriff’s office, led to the conviction of a daughter who stole more than $700,000 from her elderly mother.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in preventing exploitation.

What Can You Do to Prevent Exploitation?

Exploitation can happen to anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, health, disability status, or living situation. It is crucial to educate seniors, professionals, caregivers, and the public on the signs of exploitation and how to prevent it. Here are some steps older adults can take to stay safe.

• Take Care of Your Health: Maintain your physical and mental well-being.
• Seek Professional Help: Address drug, alcohol, and depression concerns, and encourage family members to do the same.
• Plan for Your Future: Establish a power of attorney or a living will to address health care decisions in advance. Seek independent advice before signing any documents.
• Handle Your Own Mail: Post and open your own mail to stay informed.
• Protect Personal Information: Avoid giving out personal information on the phone.
• Use Direct Deposit: Ensure all checks are directly deposited into your bank account.
• Have Your Own Phone: Maintain access to your own phone to stay connected.
• Review Your Will: Periodically review and update your will to reflect your wishes.
• Know Your Rights: If you have a paid or family caregiver, voice your preferences and concerns. If you live in a nursing home facility, contact your long-term care ombudsman, who can advocate on your behalf.

The Path Forward

Addressing the exploitation of vulnerable adults requires ongoing attention and action. Through education, vigilance, and collaboration, we can protect our loved ones and ensure they receive the respect and care they deserve. The APS bureau remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard Montana’s vulnerable adults from exploitation and support their well-being. For more information and resources, visit the National Council on Aging’s website. Let’s work together to build a safer and more respectful community for all.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse of A Vulnerable Adult?

 Adult Protective Services specialists help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. They help end abuse by matching the needs of the person with community partners in their area, such as mental health professionals, public health officials, law enforcement, the courts, the aging network, and other community groups.

• If you suspect harm is occurring right now, call 911
• If the concern is not life-threatening, you can call 1-844-277-9300 or contact Adult Protective Services online.
• If you would like more info about APS, contact Senior and Long Term Care to get a brochure: 1-406-444-4077

Guardianship and Beyond
How Adult Protective Services Supports Well-Being of Vulnerable Adults

Guardianship plays an important role in protecting vulnerable adults in Montana, and Adult Protective Services (APS) is at the forefront of managing these cases for the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

Since 2021, APS has dedicated a specialized social services unit to oversee guardianship cases, ensuring individuals receive the support and protection they need.

Initially, this unit, funded by a grant, was formed with four full-time staff members to manage 120 guardianship cases. Before this, APS investigators handled guardianship cases alongside investigations into adult maltreatment.

The rising reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation created challenges, often leading to potential conflicts of interest for investigators serving both roles.

Today, APS has five grant-funded social services workers responsible for 77 active guardianship cases, as well as all new appointments.

While guardianship is the most restrictive form of decision-making, APS works diligently to prioritize less restrictive alternatives whenever possible. By helping individuals explore these options, APS ensures guardianship is pursued only when absolutely necessary.

The social services unit has successfully advocated for individuals no longer needing guardianship, transferring cases to family members when suitable relatives are available and willing to serve.

APS also collaborates with county attorneys to petition the court for guardianship when investigations reveal a vulnerable adult lacks decision-making capacity and requires protection to reduce the risk of harm.

In cases where no family member or qualified individual is available, a judge may appoint a state or federal agency to serve as guardian, ensuring the individual’s safety and well-being.

Additionally, APS works closely with Child Protective Services (CPS) to create a clear pathway for children in state custody who will need alternative decision-makers once they transition into adulthood. This collaboration guarantees these individuals continue to receive the necessary support services as they mature.

APS remains committed to ensuring guardians act responsibly and ethically.

Through educational outreach and training, APS provides stakeholders with clear guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of a guardian, promoting proper care and compliance with state rules. The agency is also working to establish a standard of practice that safeguards the rights and well-being of those under guardianship, prioritizing their dignity and autonomy whenever possible.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse of A Vulnerable Adult?

 Adult Protective Services specialists help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They help end abuse by matching the needs of the person with community partners in their area, such as mental health professionals, public health officials, law enforcement, the courts, the aging network, and other community groups.

• If you suspect harm is occurring right now, call 911
• If the concern is not life-threatening, you can call 1-844-277-9300 or contact Adult Protective Services online.
• If you would like more info about APS, contact Senior and Long Term Care to get a brochure: 1-406-444-4077

Lianna Waller: A Dedicated Leader in Adult Protective Services

Lianna Waller has just been appointed the interim bureau chief of Adult Protective Services (APS) at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Senior and Long-Term Care Division. She steps into this role as the previous bureau chief, Trevor Tangen, becomes the interim administrator for the Senior and Long-Term Care Division. Lianna has built a remarkable career dedicated to social services, significantly impacting Montana’s most vulnerable populations.

Her journey in APS began in 2017 when she joined as an investigator. Since then, her commitment and leadership have been evident. In 2021, Lianna became the first social services sorker at APS, where she created the APS guardianship unit. She managed this unit until her promotion to Section Supervisor, the second in command. In this role, she oversaw both the guardianship unit and APS Intake. Her tenure as section supervisor demonstrated her exceptional ability to handle multiple responsibilities and improve service delivery processes.

From June 2022 to August 2023, Lianna served as the acting bureau chief while Trevor was deployed overseas for military service. During this period, she ensured APS continued to operate smoothly, maintaining the high standards expected by the department.

“She’s the go-to for all things APS, an outstanding leader,” said Trevor. “She is always looking to improve processes to ensure the elderly and disabled adults in Montana receive the best service possible.”

Lianna’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her career. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education, along with a minor in psychology. She resides with her husband, their 11-year-old daughter, and two dogs. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, camping, hiking, skiing, and simply being outdoors. Her love for the outdoors reflects her upbringing in Missoula and her appreciation for the natural beauty of Montana.

Lianna’s passion for helping others emerged early in her life. During her high school years, she lettered for the number of volunteer hours she accumulated, many of which were spent at the Poverello Center, a shelter for the unhoused, and at a local assisted living center as an activities and crafts director. This strong desire to help others led her to a career in social services aimed at reducing risks for vulnerable populations across Montana.

In 2014, Lianna started working for the State of Montana as a child protection specialist before transitioning to Adult Protective Services in 2017. Her experience in both child and adult protective services has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by different vulnerable groups and the best practices to support them.

Lianna’s dedication to APS is evident in her words and actions. “I love the work that APS does and feel proud to represent all our staff who work incredibly hard to ensure that Montana’s most vulnerable are safe and protected,” she said. As the interim bureau chief, she aims to continue the great work APS does every day and to ensure that the staff feel supported and valued.

Her favorite quote, “You live two lives: the one you are living and the one you begin living after you learn you only have one life,” resonates deeply with her approach to both her personal and professional life. This philosophy underscores her commitment to making a meaningful impact through her work and encouraging others to do the same.

Lianna Waller’s career exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a deep-seated passion for helping others. Her journey from an investigator to the interim bureau chief of APS demonstrates her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Montana’s elderly and disabled adults. With her at the helm, APS continues to strive for excellence in protecting and serving the state’s most vulnerable populations.