DHS Adult Protective Services Worker Receives Commendation For Investigation of Adult Neglect Case

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Cases of neglect and abuse are not confined to children. Vulnerable adults are also victims of maltreatment.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Cases of neglect and abuse are not confined to children. Vulnerable adults are also victims of maltreatment.

Every day, caseworkers with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Protective Services (APS) investigate incidents of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation, abandonment, and verbal abuse. It can be a difficult job.

In September 2013, Seminole County APS worker Christy Pritchett went to the home of a 21-year-old man with cerebral palsy whose caretaker was leaving him home alone. When Pritchett knocked on the door, there was no answer. She called the caretaker and was told that the young man was visiting a relative, but the caretaker could meet Pritchett another time and bring the young man with her.

Pritchett then spoke with the person who reported the young man being left alone. That person told Pritchett to go to the back of the house and look through the window. When she did, she saw the young man alone, lying on a hard floor with a couple of thin blankets under him and one on top of him. He was emaciated - and there was no way to tell how long he had been lying there or when he last ate or drank. Dogs were walking over him and animal feces were next to him.

Pritchett immediately called her supervisor, the county sheriff, and APS attorneys. The sheriff obtained a verbal order of entry and along with an emergency medical technician, they entered the home. Pritchett followed right behind them.

The young man was rushed to the emergency room where it was determined that he was severely malnourished - he weighed just 61 pounds.

APS retains guardianship of the young man and he is living in a safe facility.

"Today this young man is alive, well, and weighs 120 pounds," said Pritchett. "He enjoys blowing kisses and watching cartoons and gets excited with laughter when other residents at the facility get into trouble!"

In recognition of her work to protect vulnerable adults, Pritchett received a DHS Certificate of Commendation from Director Ed Lake and APS Director Barbara Kidder.

The alleged perpetrators are awaiting prosecution for caretaker abuse and neglect.

To report the abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, call your local DHS office during regular business hours. If you believe a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

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