The misuse of opioids and other substances can impact older adults in a variety of ways. For example, older adults may misuse substances themselves; face abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation from family members or caregivers misusing substances; or step in to raise grandchildren whose parents are misusing substances.
State Adult Protective Services (APS) systems investigate reports of abuse and exploitation of older adults and people with disabilities. They provide support and case-management, and connect people facing abuse to a variety of protective, emergency, and support services. APS is often the first community agency to interact with older adults and adults with disabilities impacted by the opioid crisis. However, APS can face unique challenges in working to resolve cases involving opioid misuse and other substance abuse due to a lack of services and resources specifically responsive to the needs of APS clients, especially older clients.
As part of an ongoing effort to support APS’ response to cases involving substance use disorders, ACL is accepting applications for up to 20 two-year cooperative agreements of between $300,000 and $1 million per year. The Elder Justice Innovation Grants will be used to identify effective strategies and solutions that are expected to maximize the impact of direct home-and community-based social, health, and mental/behavioral health services for APS clients impacted by the opioid epidemic and by other substance use disorders.
Applicants do not need to be an APS program, but at a minimum must have a letter of commitment from a partnering/collaborating APS program. Applications are due May 3, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. ET.