(a) Subject to the availability of funds, the department shall provide direct protective services or contract with protective services agencies for the provision of those services.
(b) The department shall use existing resources and services of public and private agencies in providing protective services. If the department does not have existing resources to provide direct protective services to elderly persons or persons with disabilities, the department, subject to the availability of funds, shall contract with protective services agencies for the provision of those services, especially to persons residing in rural or remote areas of this state or not previously served by the department.

(c) The department and law enforcement officials, courts, and agencies shall cooperate when providing protective services.
(d) The responsibilities prescribed by this chapter are exclusive of those designated to other state or federal agencies authorized or required by law to provide protective services to elderly persons or persons with disabilities determined to be in the state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.