Vermont Legal Aid and Disability Rights Vermont say they have settled a lawsuit with the state Adult Protective Services Division over a backlog of investigations.
The two groups on Tuesday announced the settlement, which they say brings about major changes to the program.
The groups filed a lawsuit last December, saying Adult Protective Services routinely violates the law that requires it to begin investigating reports of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults within 48 hours of receiving them.
The state had filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
The groups say as part of the settlement agreement, Adult Protective Services has agreed to adopt changes to its policies and practices and to set performance goals to address problems raised by the plaintiffs.
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