MONTGOMERY - Theresa C. Davis, a social worker with the Lee County Department of Human Resources (DHR), received the 2011 Alabama Spirit of Adult Protective Services Award today at a celebration in Montgomery. The award is presented annually to a frontline worker who, through his or her own initiative and ideas, makes significant contribution to the growth and development of the Adult Protective Services program.
As the Spirit of APS Award winner for Alabama, Ms. Davis will be nominated for the national Spirit of NAPSA (National Adult Protective Services Association) award, which will be presented on Sept. 21, 2011 in Buffalo, New York.
“The recognition that Ms. Davis is receiving is richly deserved”, said State DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “This is a great honor for both Ms. Davis and the Lee County Adult Protective Services Program,” she said. “Ms. Davis represents the excellent case work done by APS staff across the state.”
Lee County DHR Director, Jan Burke said Ms. Davis’ most impressive contribution is the development of a professional relationship with local APS community partners, including the courts, law enforcement, mental health, nursing homes; and hospital agencies. She is a self-motivated, self -initiated volunteer for her clients and fellow employees. She has developed expertise in guardianships, conservatorships, and commitments and does thorough APS investigations and case management.
NAPSA is a national organization representing the interests of Adult Protective Services programs and has members in every state. The organization is a leader in developing national policy recommendations and providing advocacy, training, research, and innovation in the field of Adult Protective Services.
In Fiscal Year 2010, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) investigated approximately 5,312 adult protective service referrals. About half of these involved reports of suspected abuse or neglect of persons who were at least 60 years old. In fact, most of them were between 75 to 84 years old.