NYC agency for vulnerable adults ailed by staff shortages, weak oversight, report finds

An audit by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that weak state oversight of New York City’s Adult Protective Services failed to address chronic problems that left vulnerable adults without critical support.

According to the report, staffing shortages and heavy caseloads led to inexperienced and overburdened caseworkers, contributing to gaps in services. The audit, which comes nearly a year after Gothamist reported that APS was rejecting most New Yorkers referred to it for help, found high turnover made an already difficult job harder.

The agency, which intervenes when adults with mental or physical impairments are at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation, operates through three field offices and several contract agencies.

“This is a job that is very stressful and requires basica