Adult Protective Services in Connecticut

Connecticut's Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) program, operated by the Department of Social Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment involving Connecticut residents age 60 and older. Under CGS Chapter 319dd (§§ 17b-450 et seq.), PSE has authority to investigate and intervene to protect elderly persons living in the community. You can report suspected elder abuse by calling 1-888-385-4225 during business hours, by emailing PSEReferrals.DSS@ct.gov, by fax at 860-424-5091, or online at dss.service.ct.gov/referrals/s/.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Connecticut

Connecticut law mandates a broad range of professionals to report suspected elder abuse within 24 hours under CGS § 17b-451(a). Any member of the public may also report. Reporter identity is confidential under CGS § 17b-452(e), and good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under CGS § 17b-451(d).

Report by Phone

Call PSE at 1-888-385-4225, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. An intake worker will record details about the elderly person, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and any known information about the person responsible. You do not need proof — reasonable suspicion is sufficient. After-hours reports can be submitted through Connecticut's statewide Infoline by dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-203-1234 from outside Connecticut).

Report Online

Connecticut offers 24/7 online reporting through the DSS referral portal at dss.service.ct.gov/referrals/s/. This option is available at any time and is suitable for non-emergency situations when phone lines are closed. You may also submit a report by email to PSEReferrals.DSS@ct.gov or by fax to 860-424-5091.

Emergency Situations

If an elderly person is in immediate danger, call 911 first. PSE does not provide emergency first-response services. After law enforcement has addressed the immediate crisis, follow up by filing a report with PSE so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the person with ongoing protective services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details ready will help PSE intake staff process your report efficiently and assign an appropriate response:

• Full name, age, and address of the elderly person
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Information about the person's physical or mental health conditions
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with 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 PSE Investigates in Connecticut

Connecticut PSE investigates the following forms of mistreatment under CGS § 17b-450:

• Abuse: Willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental anguish, or deprivation of services necessary to maintain mental and physical health
• Neglect: Failure or inability — by self or caregiver — to provide services necessary to avoid physical harm or mental anguish
• Exploitation: Taking advantage of an elderly person for another's benefit — including financial exploitation through misuse of funds, property, or assets
• Abandonment: Desertion or forsaking an elderly person by someone responsible for their care
• Need for protective services: An elderly person unable to meet their own essential needs who has no one able and willing to provide necessary assistance

Connecticut PSE coordinates with law enforcement, the Connecticut Attorney General's Office, and other agencies when reports involve potential criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing warning signs early can prevent serious harm. The following signs may indicate abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of an elderly person.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, lacerations, or fractures
• Bedsores or signs of prolonged inadequate care
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or visible malnutrition
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, or anxiety — particularly around a specific person
• Unusual submissiveness, depression, or changes in behavior
• A caregiver who is controlling, hostile, or prevents private conversation

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, transfers, or new signatories on financial accounts
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney that the person cannot explain or seems unaware of
• Unpaid bills or eviction notices despite adequate income
• Missing personal property or valuables

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Connecticut

Connecticut's mandatory reporter list under CGS § 17b-451(a) is among the broadest in the nation. It includes physicians, surgeons, nurses, nursing home administrators, aides, orderlies, paid caregivers in facilities, facility staff, residents' advocates, social workers, clergy, police officers, pharmacists, psychologists, physical therapists, EMS providers, paratransit drivers, licensed professional counselors, adult probation/parole officers, physician assistants, dental hygienists, resident services coordinators, clinical care coordinators, and housing authority managers. These professionals must report suspected elder abuse within 24 hours.

Any other person may also report. Reporter identity is confidential under CGS § 17b-452(e). Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under CGS § 17b-451(d). Mandatory reporters who intentionally fail to report may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses under CGS § 17b-451(a).

What Happens After You Report to PSE in Connecticut

Once a report is received, Connecticut PSE follows a defined process to assess the situation and respond appropriately.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

PSE intake staff review the report to determine whether the subject is an elderly person as defined by CGS § 17b-450(1) (Connecticut resident age 60 or older) and whether the reported conduct falls within PSE's jurisdiction. Reports that meet criteria are accepted for investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

PSE caseworkers initiate investigation following intake acceptance. Connecticut law does not specify a rigid timeline in hours or days for initial contact, but PSE prioritizes urgent cases involving immediate danger. Mandated reporters are informed of the results of the investigation within 45 days of the investigation's completion under CGS § 17b-452(a).

Step 3 — Investigation

An in-person visit to the elderly person's location is conducted as part of the investigation. The caseworker attempts a private interview with the person, consults with relevant professionals (medical providers, law enforcement, community agencies), and reviews the situation in full. Coordination with law enforcement occurs when criminal conduct is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment, PSE prepares written findings and works with the elderly person to develop a plan to address their safety and needs. Services available may include emergency shelter, medical and mental health referrals, homemaker services, financial management assistance, and legal advocacy. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question, PSE may seek court-ordered protective intervention.

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

Connecticut PSE primarily investigates abuse and neglect of elderly persons living in the community — private homes and non-institutional settings. If your concern involves a resident of a licensed nursing home, residential care home, or assisted living facility, contact the Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 860-424-5200. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility should be directed to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

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

Additional Resources in Connecticut

• Connecticut PSE Phone: 1-888-385-4225 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM)
• Connecticut PSE Email: PSEReferrals.DSS@ct.gov
• Connecticut PSE Online Reporting
• After-Hours Infoline: 2-1-1 (or 1-800-203-1234)
• Connecticut Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 860-424-5200
• Connecticut Department on Aging: 860-424-5274
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116