Morrison County proclaims June as Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring June 2026 Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, citing 307 suspected reports involving older adults or people with disabilities in 2025.

Aaron Stein, human services supervisor and lead of the county’s adult protection team, told the board that the county uses state-sponsored screening tools to determine vulnerability and that reports are routed through the MARK system for intake and screening. "There’s categorical vulnerability and functional vulnerability," Stein said, explaining that people in licensed facilities are categorically vulnerable while others are assessed for cognitive or functional impairment using state tools.

Stein and team members introduced themselves before the proclamation reading, outlining their roles in intake, screening, and service connection. The proclamation text, read aloud to the board, highlighted that many cases involve self-neglect and financial exploitation and noted that abuse is widely underreported.

Commissioner Lamir moved to adopt the proclamation; Commissioner Casper seconded. After discussion and an affirmation by members, the board adopted the proclamation. Commissioners thanked the adult protection staff for their work and urged residents to report suspected abuse so the county can investigate and connect people to services.

The board and staff emphasized that citizens who suspect abuse can make reports to the county’s MARK system and that Adult Protective Services responds where it has authority to do so and otherwise attempts service connections. The proclamation directs county residents to work together to reduce abuse and neglect of adults who are elderly or have disabilities.

The board adopted the proclamation during its public meeting; staff encouraged the public to contact Human Services with concerns or questions.