Adult Protective Services
The Adult Protective Services program has the serious responsibility of responding to reports of dependent adult (including the disabled ages 18–64) neglect or abuse. Services are free of charge and are provided without regard to income or property if there is a need for protective services.
Protective services may be needed for a variety of reasons. The law says elder or dependent abuse is:
- Physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction (taking the person out of the state against his or her will), or other behavior that causes physical harm, pain, or mental suffering; OR
- Deprivation by a caregiver of things or services that the elder or dependent adult needs to avoid physical harm or mental suffering.
The program provides services such as:
- Counseling for elderly or disabled persons, as well as for their family members
- Representative Payee Services for money management
- Referral to legal services
- Assistance locating alternative living arrangements
- Connections to other community services and benefits
If you suspect that you or someone you know is being (or at risk of being) abused or neglected, including self-neglect due to an inability to care for him- or herself, contact Adult Protective Services to report your concerns. If you prefer, your call may remain anonymous.
