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Pennsylvania Auditor General Targets Department of Aging

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is undergoing a performance audit focusing on protective services for seniors.

News Summary

Auditor General Tim DeFoor has initiated a performance audit of Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging, focusing on the effectiveness of protective services for older adults. This comes in response to concerns over the treatment of vulnerable seniors and previous investigative reports highlighting system deficiencies. The audit aims to assess operational oversight and improve accountability, with potential reforms on the horizon amidst state budget considerations and legislative proposals aimed at better protecting the elderly.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor has launched a performance audit targeting the Department of Aging, amid growing concerns regarding the effectiveness of its protective services for vulnerable older adults. This audit seeks to evaluate the operations and oversight of programs designed to protect individuals aged 60 and older from abuse and neglect.

The Department of Aging oversees 52 county aging agencies responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect against the elderly. Recent investigative reports by Spotlight PA have highlighted significant deficiencies within the state’s protective services system, suggesting that these failures have led to severe consequences for many older adults.

While the audit has been confirmed, a representative for DeFoor did not provide specific details about its objectives or scope. Auditors have started their examination by engaging with senior staff from the Aging Department, focusing on a new monitoring system known as the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE). This system has faced criticism for potentially misrepresenting how effectively the counties protect older adults.

The Department of Aging has stated its intention to fully cooperate with the audit, reiterating its dedication to transparency and accountability within its operations. Previous evaluations conducted by the inspector general have indicated inadequate training and compliance issues among county agencies that handle abuse investigations, raising serious questions about the protection of older residents.

A review from the Bureau of Audits in 2023 pointed out that the Aging Department lacks sufficient controls to ensure adherence to state regulations concerning investigations into elder abuse. This gap exposes the system to heightened risks of fraud and improper fund management, further complicating the landscape of elder protection.

Funding is a crucial aspect of the welfare system for older adults in Pennsylvania. The 52 county aging agencies are operating with a budget exceeding $356 million, alongside a proposal that includes an additional $20 million for these agencies and $2 million specifically earmarked for enhancing oversight processes.

Critics of the current aging services express concern that without improved accountability and direct oversight, ongoing vulnerabilities at the system’s core will persist, leaving many elderly individuals at risk. Additionally, one senator is advocating for new legislation aimed at establishing fatality review teams to investigate deaths of older adults that occur during ongoing abuse investigations. This initiative seeks to improve oversight and transparency across the board.

At present, the existing elder protection framework does not adequately track the deaths of older adults during such investigations. This lack of tracking contributes to insufficient preventative measures and represents a significant gap in ensuring the safety of older residents within the system.

The implications of the audit and proposed legislative changes may pave the way for substantial reforms within Pennsylvania’s elder protection strategies. As the audit progresses, the focus remains on how effectively the Department of Aging can adapt to ensure better outcomes and safer environments for Pennsylvania’s older population.