Adult Protective Services in Arkansas

Arkansas Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services within the Arkansas Department of Human Services, investigates suspected maltreatment of adults statewide. Under the Adult and Long-Term Care Facility Resident Maltreatment Act (Ark. Code § 12-12-1701 et seq.), any adult 18 or older who is endangered or impaired may qualify for APS protection. Reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-482-8049 or online through the LEAPS portal for non-urgent situations.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Arkansas

Arkansas law requires a broad range of professionals to report suspected adult maltreatment, and any member of the public may also file a report. Reporter identity is confidential by law under Ark. Code § 12-12-1703. Good-faith reporters are presumed immune from civil and criminal liability. Anonymous reports are accepted.

Report by Phone

Call the Arkansas APS hotline at 1-800-482-8049. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For urgent situations — including those involving immediate danger — always use the phone hotline rather than the online portal. An intake worker will record details about the suspected maltreatment and assign a response priority. Priority 1 cases (immediate danger) receive a response within 24 hours.

Report Online

For non-urgent reports, Arkansas offers online reporting through the LEAPS Public Intake portal. This option is suitable when there is no immediate threat to the adult's safety. If you are uncertain about the urgency of the situation, use the phone hotline at 1-800-482-8049 instead.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 for any situation involving immediate physical danger. APS does not provide emergency first-response services. Once law enforcement or emergency services have addressed the immediate crisis, follow up by filing a report with APS so caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the person with ongoing protective services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

The following information helps APS intake staff process your report and assign it the correct priority level. Provide what you know — you are not required to have every detail:

• Full name, age, and address of the endangered or impaired adult
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including when it occurred
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Any known physical or mental health conditions of the adult
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with relevant knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of food, medication, heat, or supervision
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Arkansas

Arkansas APS investigates the following forms of maltreatment under Ark. Code § 12-12-1703:

• Physical abuse: Intentional infliction of injury, pain, or physical harm
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or coercive control
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact, exposure, or exploitation
• Neglect: Caregiver failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: An adult's inability — due to mental or physical incapacity — to meet their own essential needs
• Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, unauthorized use of assets, or coerced financial transfers

Arkansas APS coordinates with law enforcement and county prosecutors when maltreatment involves potential criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Identifying warning signs early can help protect a vulnerable adult before serious harm occurs. No single indicator is conclusive, but a pattern of signs warrants reporting.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, broken bones, or injuries that do not match the explanation given
• Pressure ulcers or bedsores indicating inadequate repositioning or care
• Significant weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or an unsanitary living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal, fear, or anxiety — especially in the presence of a specific caregiver
• Unusual depression, agitation, or changes in typical behavior
• Caregiver who speaks over the adult, prevents private conversation, or appears controlling

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, new account signatories, or suspicious checks made out to caregivers
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills or disconnected utilities despite adequate income or savings
• Missing valuables or personal property

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Arkansas

Under Ark. Code § 12-12-1708, a broad range of professionals are mandatory reporters in Arkansas. They include physicians, surgeons, nurses, dentists, coroners, social workers, mental health professionals, peace officers, law enforcement, facility administrators and staff, DHS employees, firefighters, EMTs, bank employees, and U.S. Postal Service employees. These professionals are legally required to report suspected adult maltreatment.

Any other person who has reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment may also file a report. Reporter identity is confidential under Ark. Code § 12-12-1703 and will not be disclosed without a court order. Good-faith reporters are presumed immune from liability. Anonymous reports are accepted.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Arkansas

Once a report is received, Arkansas APS follows a defined process to evaluate the situation and intervene appropriately.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff determine whether the report involves an endangered or impaired adult as defined by Ark. Code § 12-12-1703 and whether the conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports that meet criteria are accepted and assigned one of three priority levels based on urgency.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Arkansas APS uses a three-tier priority system: Priority 1 (immediate danger to life or safety) receives a response within 24 hours. Priority 2 (abuse or neglect but not immediately life-threatening) receives a response within 7 days. Priority 3 (exploitation or less urgent situations) receives a response within 10 days.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts an in-person assessment, including a private interview with the adult when possible, interviews with family members and caregivers, a review of the living environment, and coordination with law enforcement when criminal activity is suspected. Arkansas APS may also consult with medical providers and other professionals during the investigation.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms maltreatment, APS works with the adult to develop a service plan addressing their safety and needs. Services may include emergency shelter, food assistance, medical and mental health referrals, financial management resources, and legal assistance. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If a person lacks capacity and faces serious harm, APS may seek court-ordered protective intervention.

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

Arkansas APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes 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 Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 501-682-2441. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance with state and federal standards should be directed to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Health Facility Services.

For a comprehensive guide to nursing home complaints in Arkansas, see the Arkansas Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in Arkansas

• Arkansas APS Hotline: 1-800-482-8049 (24/7)
• Arkansas APS Online Reporting (non-urgent)
• Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 501-682-2441
• Arkansas DAAHS (aging services): 501-682-2441
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116