Pennsylvania's system for monitoring agencies responsible for protecting older adults is facing renewed scrutiny after a state audit found deficiencies that could leave vulnerable residents at risk of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
The audit examined the Department of Aging's Comprehensive Aging Performance Evaluation, known as CAPE, which is used to assess the performance of 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging.
According to Spotlight PA's investigation, Auditor General Tim DeFoor's office identified 10 deficiencies in the department's oversight and monitoring system.
Among the findings: the department was monitoring county agencies every 18 months rather than annually, as required by state law. Between the beginning of 2025 and October 9, 2026, the department had assessed only 36 of the 52 agencies. Under the 18-month schedule, all assessments should have been completed by June.
Auditors also questioned how CAPE evaluates agency performance. The system weighs all deficiencies equally, potentially giving an agency a stronger overall assessment even when it has problems involving more serious shortcomings in investigations.
Auditors said the system also removed a measure assessing whether an older adult remained at risk, reducing the emphasis on safety.
The findings matter because county agencies investigate allegations involving abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of people aged 60 and older. Those investigations can determine whether someone receives timely intervention or remains in a dangerous situation.
DeFoor warned that inadequate internal controls could leave older adults without timely assistance from the network responsible for protecting them.
The Department of Aging disputes the audit's conclusions.
Secretary Jason Kavulich has defended CAPE, arguing that the previous system relied on a pass-or-fail approach that did not give county agencies sufficiently clear guidance on how to improve. The department has described the audit as inaccurate and unprofessional and said it began evaluating the new system only weeks after its rollout in 2025.
The department also argues that the audit did not capture the full scope of improvements made under the new approach.
Spotlight PA also reported that some county agencies privately described CAPE as a source of unclear expectations and frustration, even as others publicly praised the changes.
The dispute now places pressure on state officials to demonstrate that the monitoring system can reliably identify deficiencies, ensure timely corrective action and protect residents who may be unable to advocate for themselves.
