Press Release
Harrisburg, PA — Shapiro Administration Revamps Grading System for Senior Protective Agencies, Sparking Controversy
The Shapiro administration has revamped the performance grading system for Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging, which protect the state’s vulnerable older adults. Critics argue that these changes could misrepresent the effectiveness of agencies responsible for safeguarding seniors from abuse and neglect.
Historically, strict standards and a weighted scoring system required counties to maintain higher accountability, particularly for serious failings such as delayed investigations into abuse claims. This year, the Department of Aging has abandoned this approach, opting for a flat scoring system that penalizes both minor issues and significant failures equally. Critics, including former Department officials, warn that this shift could conceal ongoing deficiencies and create a false impression of compliance among the 52 county agencies.
From 2023 to late last year, nearly 3,000 elderly individuals died amidst open abuse investigations, with many cases lacking timely safety plans. Critics contend the new scoring model dilutes accountability, as the threshold for compliance has now dropped from 85% to 75%. Additionally, the frequency of assessments has shifted from annual reviews to every 18 months.
Department Secretary Jason Kavulich asserts that the new Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE) system aims to provide a more comprehensive view of agency performance, moving away from binary pass-fail assessments. However, critics question this methodology, citing that it neglects critical investigative metrics.
Despite reassurances, alarming statistics reveal that over half of all abuse and neglect investigations have failed to meet the mandated 20-day completion deadline. Advocates are emphasizing the urgent need for legislative attention, highlighting that many individuals remain at risk while under the care of a faltering system. As the debate continues, the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania’s aging population remains in the balance.
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