Adult Protective Services

How can Adult Protective Services (APS) Help?

• Investigating reports of vulnerable person abuse in private home settings.
• Providing protective services to abused, neglected, or exploited vulnerable adults age 18 and older who reside in private home settings.
• Referring cases for legal intervention if needed.

Types of Abuse and What to Look For

make a report

You can report vulnerable person abuse through our online form or by calling the Vulnerable Person Abuse Hotline at 844-437-6282.

When you make a report, you will be asked to provide as many details about the situation as possible to APS.

To the extent possible, a report should contain, but not be limited to:

• The name, age, race, sex, physical address and location of the vulnerable person.
• The name, address and telephone number of the alleged perpetrator.
• The name, address and telephone number of the caregiver, if different from the alleged perpetrator.
• Whether or not the vulnerable person is self-neglecting.
• A description of the neglect, abuse and/or exploitation.
• Description of the person’s impairment (meaning, what the person can or cannot do) to perform the normal activities of daily living; care for themselves; and protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• The potential danger to Adult Protective Services staff who may visit the home (i.e., firearms, drugs).

Mandated Reporters

The Vulnerable Persons Act mandates that any person who knows or suspects that a vulnerable person has been or is being abused, neglected or exploited, shall immediately file a report. Mandated reporters include anyone who is a(n):

• Attorney, physician, or other medical/mental health professional responsible for the treatment or care of a vulnerable person.
• Social worker, family protection worker, family protection specialist or other professional adult care, residential or institutional staff.
• State, county or municipal criminal justice employee or law enforcement officer.
• Human rights advocacy committee or long-term care ombudsman council member.
• Accountant, stockbroker, financial advisor or consultant, insurance agent or consultant, investment advisor or consultant, financial planner, or any officer or employee of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or any other financial service provider.

What Happens After a Report is Made

1. An APS Regional Manager will review the report and decide if the report meets the criteria for an APS investigation.
2. If the report meets the criteria for investigation, an APS worker will be assigned to investigate the report.
   • The investigation will be initiated within 48 hours if the vulnerable person is in immediate danger and within 72 hours if the vulnerable person is not in immediate danger.
3. Throughout the investigation process, APS staff members will seek to connect the vulnerable adult to services and supports needed to increase their safety and protection.
4. APS will report any findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Office of the Attorney General, Vulnerable Adults Unit.
   • If there is reasonable cause to believe a caretaker or other person has abused, neglected or exploited a vulnerable person, APS will file a report with the local district attorney’s office and the Attorney General’s Office.