Adult Protective Services in Alaska

Alaska Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services within the Alaska Department of Health, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other mistreatment of vulnerable adults statewide. Under Alaska Statute 47.24, any person 18 or older who is unable to meet their own needs or seek help without assistance may qualify for APS protection. You can report suspected abuse by phone at 1-800-478-9996 (in-state) or 907-269-3666, by email at doh.aps@alaska.gov, or online through the Alaska Centralized Reporting Portal.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Alaska

Alaska law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults, and anyone else may also report. Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under AS 47.24.120(a). Reports are kept confidential under AS 47.24.050, and you may report anonymously.

Report by Phone

Call Alaska APS toll-free at 1-800-478-9996 (in-state) or 907-269-3666. Phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Alaska time. If you use Alaska Relay, dial 711. When you call, an intake worker will collect information about the vulnerable adult, the type of suspected mistreatment, and any relevant background details. You do not need to have all the facts — report what you know and let APS investigate.

Report Online

Alaska offers online reporting through the Centralized Reporting Portal at health.alaska.gov/en/services/centralized-reporting/. Online reporting is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Sundays from 2 PM to 8 PM for maintenance. The online form is suitable for non-emergency situations. You may also submit reports by fax to 907-269-3648 or by email to doh.aps@alaska.gov.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911 or local law enforcement first. APS does not provide emergency response services. After law enforcement has responded, contact APS so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the individual with protective services. Alaska APS coordinates with law enforcement and may refer cases for criminal prosecution when warranted.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details available will help APS intake workers process your report quickly and assign it the appropriate priority. Provide what you know — you are not required to have all of this information:

• Full name, age, and current address of the vulnerable adult
• Nature and description of the suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other mistreatment
• Name and relationship of the alleged perpetrator, if known
• Any known physical or mental health conditions affecting the adult
• Dates or frequency of the suspected mistreatment
• Names of witnesses or others with relevant knowledge
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports are accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Alaska

Alaska APS is authorized to investigate multiple forms of mistreatment under AS 47.24.900. Covered categories include:

• Physical abuse: Intentional use of force causing injury, pain, or impairment
• Mental/emotional abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
• Neglect: Failure by a caregiver to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: Inability of an adult — due to mental or physical incapacity — to meet their own basic needs
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use, misappropriation, or theft of an adult's money, property, or assets
• Abandonment: Desertion of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver
• Undue influence: Manipulation that overrides a person's free will and exploits their vulnerability

Alaska APS collaborates with the Alaska Office of Public Advocacy, law enforcement, and other agencies when cases involve criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Knowing the warning signs of elder abuse can help you decide whether to make a report. One sign alone may not indicate abuse, but a pattern or combination of signs warrants action.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, broken bones, or head injuries
• Pressure ulcers or bedsores suggesting neglect
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Evidence of poor hygiene, unwashed clothing, or unsanitary living conditions

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal or fearfulness around a caregiver or family member
• Unusual anxiety, depression, or agitation that is new or worsening
• Caregiver who answers all questions, prevents private conversation, or speaks dismissively
• Signs of confusion inconsistent with the person's baseline cognitive function

Financial Signs

• Unexplained account withdrawals, checks written to caregivers, or new credit accounts
• Changes to powers of attorney, wills, or beneficiary designations the person cannot explain
• Unpaid bills, disconnected utilities, or inadequate food despite sufficient income or savings
• Missing valuables or personal property the person cannot account for

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Alaska

Under AS 47.24.010, Alaska has a broad list of mandatory reporters who are legally required to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults within 24 hours of obtaining knowledge. Mandatory reporters include physicians, health care providers, mental health professionals, pharmacists, nursing home staff, guardians, conservators, law enforcement, social workers, clergy, caregivers, and educators, among others.

Any person — even if not a mandatory reporter — may also file a report. Reports are confidential under AS 47.24.050, and reporters acting in good faith are immune from civil and criminal liability under AS 47.24.120(a). Mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to report may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor under AS 47.24.010(c).

What Happens After You Report to APS in Alaska

After a report is received, Alaska APS follows a structured process to assess the situation and provide appropriate intervention.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff evaluate the report to determine whether it meets criteria for investigation under AS 47.24. They assess whether the subject qualifies as a vulnerable adult and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports meeting criteria are accepted and assigned a priority level based on urgency.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Alaska APS is required to conduct a prompt investigation upon receiving a report. Investigations must be completed within 60 days under AS 47.24.015. For situations involving imminent risk to life or safety, APS coordinates with local law enforcement, which can respond immediately. Emergency situations should always begin with a 911 call.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts an in-person assessment of the vulnerable adult, typically visiting them at home. The caseworker interviews the adult (when possible, privately), family members, caregivers, and anyone with relevant information. Medical records, financial documents, and the home environment may also be reviewed. Cases with apparent criminal elements are referred to law enforcement.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation substantiates abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS works with the adult to develop a service plan addressing their safety, health, and well-being. Available services may include emergency shelter, food assistance, medical and mental health referrals, benefits enrollment, financial management resources, and legal assistance. Adults who retain decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question and the person is in danger, APS may pursue protective orders or coordinate with the courts.

APS vs. Long-Term Care Ombudsman — Who Handles Nursing Home Abuse in Alaska?

Alaska APS investigates abuse and neglect in community settings — typically private homes and non-licensed environments. If your concern involves a resident of a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility, you should contact the Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

The Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights and well-being of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 907-334-4480. For regulatory complaints about a nursing facility, contact the Alaska Health Facilities Licensing and Certification program through the Alaska Department of Health.

For a complete guide on filing nursing home complaints in Alaska, see the Alaska Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in Alaska

• Alaska APS Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-478-9996 (in-state) or 907-269-3666 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM)
• Alaska APS Email: doh.aps@alaska.gov
• Alaska APS Online Reporting
• Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 907-334-4480
• Alaska Senior Benefits Payment Program: 907-465-2521
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116

Reporting suspected elder abuse helps protect Alaska's most vulnerable residents. Reports are confidential, anonymous reports are accepted, and Alaska law protects good-faith reporters from legal liability.