ACL Resource Centers’ Research

In addition to the NCEA, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) supports other resource centers, several of which conduct or participate in research studies. A list of recent research activities engaged in by our ACL affiliates is provided below:

Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center

Evaluation of Adult Protective Service Programs
The National Adult Protective Services (APS) Process Evaluation is based on research conducted by the APS Technical Assistance Resource Center. This evaluation was designed and implemented to describe the current landscape of APS program structure and operations across the United States. It is available in two reports:

• Full Report (PDF | 3.09 MB)
• Summary Report (PDF | 1.88 MB)

Adult Protective Services Study on the Impact of COVID-19
ACL reported on the impact of the pandemic on its programs, cases, workload, and staff.

The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Adult Protective Services
This study assessed the nature, extent, and challenges experienced by APS staff in providing services to clients affected by opioids.

Predicting the Risk of Adult Maltreatment (PRAM)
This project explores the use of predictive analytics (artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other “big data” tools) as one component of a broader approach to predict and prevent elder mistreatment.

For more information about these projects, please access this link.

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Evaluation of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
This study determines the efficacy of LTCOP in carrying out core functions as described in the Older Americans Act, the long-term impacts of the LTCOP’s for various stakeholders, what system advocacy among Ombudsman programs looks like, and effective or promising Ombudsman program practices.

• Final Report

National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System

The National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) is a data reporting system established and operated by ACL to better understand the phenomena of adult maltreatment in the United States. NAMRS collects data on APS investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as information on the administration of APS programs. The data provides an understanding of key program policies, characteristics of those experiencing and perpetrating maltreatment, information on the types of maltreatment investigated, and information on services to address the maltreatment. To learn more about NAMRS, please access this link.