Adult Protective Services
About Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides services to elderly and disabled adults, 18 years of age or older who are alleged to be abused, neglected, or exploited. APS evaluates a screened-in allegation of abuse neglect, or exploitation to determine if an elderly or disabled adult needs protection.
What is adult mistreatment?
Resources
Abuse
The willful infliction of pain, injury, or mental anguish. Purposefully withholding necessary care.
Neglect (self-neglect or by a caregiver)
Not receiving care necessary to maintain mental or physical health.
Exploitation
The illegal or improper use of a disabled adult or the elderly person’s resources by another, for their own profit or advantage.
Assessment
DCoDSS Adult Protective Services (APS) will complete a thorough evaluation of alleged abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of elderly/disabled adults which meet criteria.
Possible Outcomes
When the need for protective service is found, APS provides services to improve outcomes and to eliminate maltreatment with consent from the adult or surrogate decision maker. In the event the adult lacks capacity and does not have a surrogate to consent to protective services, APS will petition for Guardianship.
Report Abuse or Neglect
To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly or disabled adults, please call:
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
To reach the After-Hours Social Worker when our offices are closed: weekdays after 5:30 p.m., weekends and holidays.
Reporters may remain anonymous when making an APS Report.