Adult Protective Services in Arizona

Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults across the state. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 46-451, any person 18 or older who is unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental impairment may be eligible for APS services. You can report suspected abuse by calling (877) 767-2385 or using the online form.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Arizona

Arizona law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults under A.R.S. § 46-454, and any member of the public may also file a report. Reports are confidential, and good-faith reporters are protected from retaliation under A.R.S. § 46-454(L). Anonymous reports are accepted, though providing contact information helps investigators follow up.

Report by Phone

Call Arizona APS at (877) 767-2385. Phones are staffed Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 10 AM to 6 PM. For TTY users, call (877) 815-8390. When you call, an intake worker will gather details about the vulnerable adult, the suspected mistreatment, and any known information about the alleged perpetrator. You do not need proof — reasonable suspicion is sufficient to file a report.

Report Online

Arizona offers 24/7 online reporting through the DES website. The online portal is available at all hours, making it a practical option outside of phone staffing hours or for non-emergency situations. After submitting an online report, you will receive confirmation of the submission.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 immediately if a vulnerable adult is in imminent danger. APS is not an emergency responder. After law enforcement has responded, file a report with APS so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the person with ongoing protective services and support.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Gathering the following information before contacting Arizona APS will help intake staff process your report efficiently. Provide what you can — incomplete information does not prevent a report from being accepted:

• Full name, age, and address of the vulnerable adult
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation and when it occurred
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Information about the vulnerable adult's physical or mental condition
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of medication, food, or supervision
• Your own contact information (optional — you may report anonymously)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Arizona

Arizona APS investigates the following categories of mistreatment, as defined in A.R.S. § 46-451:

• Physical abuse: Intentional infliction of physical injury, pain, or impairment
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or coercive control
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exposure
• Neglect: Caregiver failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: Inability of an adult to meet their own basic needs due to mental or physical impairment
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use, misappropriation, or theft of an adult's money or property
• Negligent injury: Harm caused by carelessness or failure to exercise reasonable care
• Confinement: Unlawful restriction of an adult's freedom of movement

Arizona APS works in coordination with law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General's Office on cases involving potential criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

The following warning signs may indicate that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. One indicator alone may have an innocent explanation, but a pattern warrants concern and potentially a report.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, welts, burns, cuts, or fractures — particularly in unusual locations
• Bedsores or signs of inadequate hygiene suggesting neglect
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Evidence of physical restraint, such as marks on wrists or ankles

Behavioral Signs

• Fearfulness, withdrawal, or unusual submissiveness — especially around a caregiver
• Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or communication patterns
• Caregiver who dominates conversations, insists on being present, or becomes defensive
• Confusion or disorientation that appears suddenly or is inconsistent with the person's condition

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, new authorized account signers, or suspicious transfers
• Unexpected changes to powers of attorney, wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills or utility shutoffs despite adequate income
• Caregiver who controls finances and limits the adult's access to money

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Arizona

Under A.R.S. § 46-454, Arizona has a comprehensive list of mandatory reporters who are legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Mandatory reporters include health professionals (physicians, nurses, dentists, therapists), emergency medical technicians, social workers, peace officers, guardians, conservators, fire service personnel, DES employees, caregivers, attorneys, accountants, and trustees.

Any other person who suspects abuse may also file a report. Reports are confidential under A.R.S. § 46-454, and good-faith reporters are protected from retaliation. Mandatory reporters who fail to report may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor under A.R.S. § 46-454(M). If the abuse involves a sexual offense, failure to report is a Class 6 felony.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Arizona

Once a report is received by Arizona APS, the agency follows a structured process to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff review the report to determine whether the subject qualifies as a vulnerable adult under A.R.S. § 46-451 and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports meeting criteria are accepted and assigned a priority based on the severity and urgency of the alleged harm.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

High-priority cases — those involving imminent danger — are typically initiated within 24 hours. Standard investigations are completed within up to 60 days. The online portal is available 24/7 for non-emergency reports outside of phone staffing hours.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker visits the vulnerable adult in person, ideally speaking with them privately. The investigation may also include interviews with family members, caregivers, neighbors, and anyone with relevant information; review of medical and financial records; and coordination with law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected. Arizona APS works closely with the Arizona Attorney General's Elder Abuse Unit on cases involving financial exploitation.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS develops a service plan with the adult. Services available in Arizona may include emergency shelter, medical referrals, mental health services, benefits assistance, financial counseling, and legal resources. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question and safety is at risk, APS may seek emergency protective orders or guardianship through the courts.

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

Arizona APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes, unlicensed facilities, and non-institutional environments. If your concern involves a resident of a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility, contact the Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed long-term care facilities and investigates complaints about care quality and resident rights. Reach the Ombudsman at 602-542-4446. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's licensing compliance should be directed to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

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

Additional Resources in Arizona

• Arizona APS Hotline: (877) 767-2385 (Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM; weekends/holidays 10 AM–6 PM)
• Arizona APS TTY: (877) 815-8390
• Arizona APS Online Reporting (24/7)
• Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 602-542-4446
• Arizona Attorney General Elder Abuse Unit: 602-542-5025
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116