Adult Protective
Services Guide

Contact APS as soon as you have a reasonable belief that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited. You do not need proof — APS investigators are trained to assess the situation. Common warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden withdrawal or fear of a specific caregiver, weight loss, unexplained changes in finances, or self-neglect that puts the person at risk.

Anyone can make a report — family members, friends, neighbors, medical professionals, or the affected adult. Many states also designate certain professionals (doctors, social workers, financial institution staff) as mandated reporters who are required by law to report suspected abuse. Reports can usually be made by phone, online form, or in person.

The process generally has four steps: (1) intake, where an APS specialist screens the report; (2) a face-to-face visit with the adult, usually within 24–72 hours; (3) fact-finding interviews with family, medical professionals, and other relevant parties; and (4) service planning, where APS connects the adult with protective services, medical care, or legal intervention if needed.

In almost every state, reporters are entitled to confidentiality, and many states grant civil and criminal immunity for good-faith reports. Check the state-specific guide for your state below — exact protections and any limited exceptions vary by jurisdiction.

APS can coordinate emergency medical or shelter services, refer the case to law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected, refer to the state survey agency or licensing board when the abuse occurred in a regulated facility, and connect the family with legal resources. APS itself does not prosecute crimes or file civil claims — but its investigation findings are frequently important evidence in both.

They serve different purposes and you can do both. APS focuses on immediate safety and connecting the adult with protective services. A nursing home abuse attorney can evaluate whether you have a civil claim for damages — particularly when the abuse or neglect happened in a facility setting. APS investigation records are often valuable evidence in those civil cases.