I have been an Adult Protective Services and Adult Services social worker for over 4 years now.  When I go to a stranger's house after receiving an APS report on the alleged victim, I rarely tell the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator that I'm investigating a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation because as soon as I say "I'm here because we received a report that you are abusing your grandmother..." that immediately puts the alleged perpetrator on the defense and that person doesn't want to cooperate with me.  Yes, we have to investigate the allegation, but we also have to work with the system that is already in place and 99% of the time, the alleged victim does not want to leave the current situation and press charges against the alleged perpetrator and will continue to live in the same circumstances, etc.  I am able to get in the door and work with the client much longer if I say something like "I work with Adult Services and we received a call that someone was concerned about you." The person lets me in and I'm able to build a relationship and rapport with the client AND alleged perpetrator.  The saying, you catch more bees with honey than vinegar is very true.  I'm able to work with the client and alleged perpetrator, offer and provide services and many times, am able to get the client placed in a facility or provide in-home services that gives an extra set of eyes and ears on the situation.  If I'm firm, but nice to the client and perpetrator, they always welcome me back and I can be a friendly thorn in their side.  I do not want to have to report to the alleged perpetrator because I won't get the chance to really try to make a difference in the situation if they slam the door in my face at the first home visit.  If I have to send a letter to the alleged perp after my investigation, he/she will not want me to come out to the home again in the future and will most likely refuse to work with me.