Adult Protective Services

What is Adult Protective Services?

Adult Protective Services are provided to an adult, who has been determined by evaluation, for the prevention, correction, or discontinuance of an act, or conditions resulting from physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect, as well as exploitation.

What is included in protective services?

Protective services may include, but are not limited to case work services, medical care, mental health services, legal services, fiscal l management, home health care, homemaker services, housing-related guardianship services, and placement services as well as the provision of such commodities as food, clothing and shelter.

What is the age requirement for adults to receive Adult Protective Services?

Adult is defined as any person sixty years or older who is handicapped by the infirmities of aging, has a physical or mental impairment which prevents him/her from providing for his/her own care or protection, and resides in an independent living arrangement.

What does the Adult Protective Services worker do?

The Adult Protective Services case manager investigates reports of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect, and exploitation. Both the adult subject and the perpetrator will be viewed as "victims" who are in need of services.

When do I contact Adult Protective Services?

In need of protective services means an adult known or suspected to be suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation to an extent that either life is endangered or physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness results or is likely to result.

Who are mandated reporters?

Mandated reporters are required by law to contact the Adult Protective Services unit. Mandated reporters are social, medical, and mental health care professionals, attorneys, peace officers, senior service providers, coroners, clergymen and professional counselors.

If I am not a mandated reporter, should I contact the Adult Protective Services unit?

Yes! Any concerned citizen should report suspected physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect and/or self-neglect, as well as exploitation.

What are the goals of the Adult Protective Services?

To prevent, reduce or remedy conditions causing endangerment to adults (who meet specified criteria) through provision of services appropriate to the adult’s needs.
To maximize the adult’s independence and self-direction.
To prevent unnecessary institutionalization and to enable the adult to remain in his own home as long as possible by selection of the least restrictive alternative. The least restrictive alternative means the change resulting in the least loss of self-determination that will meet the specified need.

The Adult Protective Services law contains a due process provision, which protect a citizen’s right to refuse state intervention in their lives. In other words, if a citizen is competent (as determined by a medical doctor) and chooses to live in a situation that our own department feels harmful, we may not intervene in the life of this self-determined individual.

How do I contact the Adult Protective Services unit?

Please contact the Adult Protective Services unit by telephone, in person, or by writing a letter.