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Proudly Supporting Unit 61

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APS Unit 61 is part of Region 7 and includes Brazos, Burleson, Falls, Grimes, Lee, Leon, Madison, Milam, Robertson, and Washington counties. 

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2023 - 1,111 cases worked by Unit 61

  • Brazos County: 445 cases

  • Burleson: 78 cases

  • Falls: 58 cases

  • Grimes: 109 cases

  • Lee: 35 cases

  • Leon: 63 cases

  • Madison: 50 cases

  • Milam: 125 cases

  • Robertson: 68 cases

  • Washington: 80 cases

​Source: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/About_DFPS/Data_Book/Quick_Start_Guide/overview.asp

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What is APS?

"Adult Protective Services, or APS, investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults aged 65 and older, and adults aged 18 to 64 who have a disability and live in the community. Adult Protective Services can provide short-term help with emergency shelter, minor home repairs, emergency food, transportation to doctors' appointments, referrals for money management, assistance making appointments for medical care, referrals for home healthcare services, and referrals for mental health services. Longer-term solutions include advocating for clients to receive government benefits and connecting clients with social service agencies."

source: https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Protect_Texas_Adults/about-adult-protective-services/

APS Mission

"To protect older adults and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation by investigating and providing or arranging for services to stop or prevent further harm."

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History of APS

  • Mid 1970’s: Congress passed Title 20 of the Social Security Act, requiring states to protect the vulnerable from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These vulnerable populations include children, older adults, and adults with disabilities.​

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  • 1991: House Bill 7 passed, leading to the creation of the Texas Department Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS). At this time the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR), TDPRS, the Texas Council on Community MHMR Centers, and advocates all agreed that investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitations of these individuals should be conducted through TDPRS.​

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  • 1993: APS made responsible for guardianship of those with severe disabilities who aged out of CPS (Child Protective Services).​

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  • 2003: House Bill 2292 passed, which reorganized health and human services, and TDPRS was renamed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). DFPS includes Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (CPS), Child Care Licensing (CCL), and Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI).

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  • 2005: Senate Bill 6 passed, leading to improved protective services to those APS serves. 252 action items for improved services were instituted including APS caseworkers being provided mobile tablet computers. Additionally, guardianship responsibilities were shifted from DFPS to the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), reinforcing APS’s primary role for investigating and ensuring the safety and well-being of those it serves.

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  • 2015: Senate Bill 200 passed, consolidating Health and Human Services Agencies under the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

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  • 2017: House Bill 5 passed, making DFPS a separate agency apart from HHSC.

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