Adult Protective Services in Colorado

Colorado Adult Protective Services (APS) is administered at the county level by local departments of human or social services, with state oversight from the Colorado Department of Human Services. Under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-101 et seq., any adult 18 or older who is unable to protect themselves from mistreatment or self-neglect may be eligible for APS services. Because Colorado does not have a single statewide APS hotline, you must contact your county's human or social services department to file a report.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Colorado

Colorado law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse of at-risk adults, and any member of the public may also file a report. Reports are confidential under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102(7), and good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102(5). Anonymous reports are accepted.

Report by Phone — Find Your County

Colorado APS reports are handled by county departments of human or social services. There is no single statewide APS hotline. To find your county office, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services, which provides a directory of all county APS contacts. For example, Denver County APS can be reached at 720-944-2994. Reports should be made during business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). For emergencies outside business hours, contact local law enforcement or call 911.

Report Online

Online reporting availability varies by county. Visit cdhs.colorado.gov/adult-protection for links to county-specific online reporting options and contact information. The state's APS page provides updated contact information for each county and a county directory for finding the office nearest to the vulnerable adult.

Emergency Situations

If an at-risk adult is in immediate danger, call 911 first. After emergency services have responded, contact your county APS office so caseworkers can initiate an investigation and provide ongoing protective services. Colorado law also requires certain professionals to report suspected mistreatment of at-risk adults directly to local law enforcement under C.R.S. § 18-6.5-108.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

When contacting your county APS office, having the following information available will help intake staff process your report and assign an appropriate response priority:

• Full name, age, and address of the at-risk adult
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Information about the adult's physical or mental condition
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with relevant knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of medication, food, heat, or supervision
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports are accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Colorado

Colorado APS investigates the following types of mistreatment under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-101 et seq.:

• Physical abuse: Intentional use of force causing injury or pain
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation
• Caretaker neglect: Failure by a caregiver to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: Inability of an adult — due to mental or physical condition — to meet their own basic needs
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use, theft, or misappropriation of an adult's money or property
• Mistreatment: General term encompassing any harmful conduct toward an at-risk adult

Colorado APS coordinates with local law enforcement on cases that may involve criminal conduct, particularly those involving financial exploitation or assault.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing warning signs early increases the chance of intervention before serious harm occurs. The following signs may indicate abuse, neglect, or exploitation:

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — especially in multiple stages of healing
• Bedsores or signs of inadequate medical care or hygiene
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Marks suggesting physical restraint on wrists, ankles, or neck

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden fear, withdrawal, or submissiveness around a caregiver or family member
• New or worsening depression, anxiety, or confusion
• A caregiver who dominates conversations, isolates the adult, or appears evasive

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, new authorized signatories, or suspicious wire transfers
• Recent or unexpected changes to wills, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills, disconnected utilities, or inadequate food despite adequate income

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Colorado

Under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102, mandatory reporters in Colorado include health care workers, caregivers, first responders, social workers, clergy, and financial services workers. These professionals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of at-risk adults. Under C.R.S. § 18-6.5-108, certain professionals must also report directly to local law enforcement for at-risk elders and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Any person — even if not a mandatory reporter — may report suspected abuse to their county APS office. Reports are confidential under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102(7). Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102(5). Mandatory reporters who fail to report may be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor under C.R.S. § 18-6.5-108. Making a false report is a Class 3 misdemeanor under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102(4).

What Happens After You Report to APS in Colorado

After a report is received by your county APS office, the following process occurs:

Step 1 — Intake Screening

County APS staff screen the report to determine whether the subject qualifies as an at-risk adult under C.R.S. § 26-3.1-101 and whether the reported conduct is within APS jurisdiction. A screening decision is made within 3 business days.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Once a report is accepted for investigation, county APS aims to complete an initial assessment and develop a service plan within 45 days. Monthly face-to-face contacts with the at-risk adult are required during the active service period. Emergency situations are referred immediately to law enforcement.

Step 3 — Investigation

A county APS caseworker visits the at-risk adult in person, typically at their home. The caseworker interviews the adult privately when possible, speaks with family members, caregivers, and witnesses, reviews the living environment, and coordinates with law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, the caseworker develops a service plan with the adult addressing their safety and well-being. Colorado APS may arrange emergency shelter, medical referrals, financial counseling, mental health services, and legal assistance. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question and the person is in danger, APS may pursue emergency protective orders through the courts.

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

Colorado 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 Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 303-722-0300. Complaints about a nursing facility's compliance with state or federal regulations should be directed to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division.

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

Additional Resources in Colorado

• Colorado APS County Directory
• Denver County APS (example): 720-944-2994
• Colorado Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 303-722-0300
• Colorado Adult Protective Services State Office
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116