Victim Characteristics                                                          

Suggested information to gather for decision making:

1. Does the child/vulnerable adult function differently than his/her peers?  In what way?
2. Does the child/vulnerable adult receive any treatment or services for any conditions?  What, where, who?
3. Is the alleged victim afraid of the alleged perpetrator?  How do you know?
4. Does the reporter have information about the non-custodial parent, relatives, significant others not living with the alleged victim?
5. Is there anything about the victim’s culture that is important to know?
6. Tell me about this person’s condition.
7. Tell me what leads you to think they are unable to care for themselves.  
8. Describe what makes you think the adult is unable to take care of the situation themselves.
9. Describe the adult’s level of functioning that makes you believe they are in need of assistance.
10. Describe the adult’s physical limitations.
11. Tell me how these physical limitations prevent the adult from caring for themselves.
12. Describe any recent changes in the adult’s functioning.
13. Describe any concerns you have with the adult’s ability to make decisions.  
14. If sexual abuse allegations, describe your belief about the person’s ability to consent or not to sexual activity.
15. Tell me how why you think they are aware of the consequences or why they are unaware of the consequences of the decisions.
16. Sometimes adults are in need of assistance with living. Tell me about any assistance the adult currently receives.  Examples include a payee, a home health aide, a power of attorney, behavioral health services.
17. Tell me about whether or not you have talked to the adult at risk about the concerns? If you have, tell me about how the adult responded to your concerns.  

(03-2010)

NFOAPW12( )