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Appendix II: Decision-Making Trees – If the Client Is Conditionally Safe or Unsafe

APS February 2021

This appendix summarizes the steps that an APS specialist takes after completing a Safety Assessment or Reassessment, if the safety decision for the client is Conditionally Safe or Unsafe. For details about seeking an Emergency Order for Protective Services, see 13000 Legal Actions, Legal Documents, and Other Non-Legal Remedies.

The following abbreviations are used in this appendix:

  • SME – subject matter expert.
  • EOPS – Emergency Order for Protective Services.

Accessible text-only version (covers both diagrams)

Diagram for Conditionally Safe (see text-only version below)

Diagram for Unsafe (see text-only version below)

Text-Only Version of Decision-Making Trees – If the Client Is Conditionally Safe or Unsafe

The Safety Assessment or Reassessment is complete, and at least one danger factor is identified.

Is the client conditionally safe or unsafe?

Conditionally Safe

Unsafe

Conditionally Safe

Does the client’s behavior or environment, or the testimony of others, suggest there are indicators that the client lacks capacity?

  • If yes, consult with supervisor or SME about a possible capacity assessment or referral for guardianship. Continue with service plan.
  • If no, continue with service plan.

Unsafe

Immediately consult with supervisor or SME about ways to gain client’s cooperation, a possible capacity assessment, or an EOPS.

Does the client cooperate with the assessment?

Client Cooperates With Assessment

Client Does Not Cooperate With Assessment

Client Cooperates With Assessment

Does the medical or mental health professional complete an assessment that addresses client’s capacity sufficiently to inform the court on the client’s capacity?

If no, get a second assessment from another medical or mental health professional, then return to the previous question (is the assessment sufficient?).

If yes, does the client have capacity?

  • If yes, close case.
  • If no, consult with supervisor and regional attorney to determine whether an EOPS is needed. Notify district director or designee.
    • If EOPS is needed, seek an EOPS from the court with all professional assessments and opinions. Continue with service plan.
    • If EOPS is not needed, consult with supervisor and SME for alternatives to an EOPS and possibly develop a new service plan. Then, continue with service plan.

Client Does Not Cooperate With Assessment

Consult with supervisor and regional attorney to determine whether an EOPS is needed. Notify district director or designee.

  • If EOPS is needed, go to court without a capacity assessment to seek a possible EOPS. Continue with service plan.
  • If EOPS is not needed, consult with supervisor and SME for alternatives to an EOPS. Then, continue with service plan.

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