PHOENIX — Arizona's Adult Protective Services agency is adding staff and contractors to deal with caseloads that are three to four times above the goal.
The agency has filled 26 new senior investigator positions and 16 new entry-level investigator slots since July.
The agency reported Wednesday that it also hired 34 contractors since March. Turnover is near 50 percent and the agency still has 20 openings.
The Legislature gave the Department of Economic Security an extra $1 million this budget year and $1.2 million in the year starting July 1 to handle caseloads 80 percent higher than five years ago.
DES Director Tim Jeffries says the agency is focused on protecting the most vulnerable. APS assesses reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly or disabled and arranges services if needed.