Adult Protective Services in Delaware

Delaware Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and mistreatment of vulnerable adults statewide. Under Title 31, Chapter 39 of the Delaware Code, adults 18 or older who are vulnerable due to impairment, incapacitation, age, or other factors may qualify for APS protection. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-888-277-4302 (888-APS-4302).

How to Report Elder Abuse in Delaware

Delaware law allows any person with reasonable cause to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. All reports are strictly confidential under Delaware Code § 3912, and good-faith reporters are immune from civil, administrative, and criminal liability under Delaware Code § 3910(d). Anonymous reports are accepted.

Report by Phone

Call the Delaware APS statewide hotline at 1-888-277-4302 (888-APS-4302). The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users in New Castle County can call (302) 453-3837; TTY users in Kent or Sussex counties can call (302) 422-1415. Reports can also be sent by fax: (302) 453-3836 for New Castle County and (302) 422-1346 for Kent and Sussex counties. When you call, intake staff will gather information about the vulnerable adult, the suspected mistreatment, and the alleged abuser. You do not need to have proof to make a report.

Report Online

Delaware APS does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal. All reports must be made by phone at 1-888-277-4302, by TTY at the county-specific numbers above, or by fax. For non-emergency reports, fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. APS is not an emergency responder. Once emergency services have addressed the immediate threat, contact APS at 1-888-277-4302 so that a caseworker can initiate an investigation and provide protective services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

The following information helps APS intake staff process your report and assign a response priority. Provide what you can — you do not need all of these details to file a report:

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

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Delaware

Delaware APS is authorized to investigate the following types of mistreatment under Title 31, Chapter 39 of the Delaware Code:

• Physical abuse: Willful infliction of bodily injury, pain, or physical harm
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or coercive control
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
• Neglect: Caregiver failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Mistreatment: General harmful conduct not fitting other categories
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use, misappropriation, or theft of an adult's money or assets
• Self-neglect: An adult's inability — due to impairment — to meet their own basic needs, placing their health or safety at risk

Delaware APS coordinates with law enforcement and the Delaware Department of Justice when cases involve 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 not be conclusive, but a pattern of signs warrants reporting.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — especially inconsistent with the explanation offered
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers suggesting inadequate repositioning and care
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
• Poor hygiene, unwashed clothing, or an unsanitary living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal, fear, or unusual anxiety around a caregiver or family member
• New or worsening depression, agitation, or confusion
• A caregiver who speaks over the adult, prevents private conversation, or appears evasive

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, transfers, or new authorized signatories on accounts
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney the adult cannot explain
• Unpaid bills or disconnected utilities despite apparently adequate resources
• Missing personal property or valuables

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Delaware

Delaware takes a broad approach to mandatory reporting. Under Delaware law, all persons — including health care professionals — who have reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited are required to report. Financial institution employees are specifically required to report suspected financial exploitation. Any member of the public who has reasonable cause may also file a report.

Reports are strictly confidential under Delaware Code § 3912 and will not be disclosed without a court order or the consent of all parties. Good-faith reporters are immune from civil, administrative, and criminal liability under Delaware Code § 3910(d).

What Happens After You Report to APS in Delaware

After a report is received, Delaware APS follows a structured process with response timelines that vary by the nature of the reported abuse.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff assess whether the subject qualifies as a vulnerable adult under Delaware Code § 3902(26) and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports meeting criteria are accepted for investigation and assigned a response timeline based on severity.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Delaware APS uses one of the fastest tiered response systems in the country. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and self-neglect: response within 1 business day. Emotional abuse and neglect: response within 3 business days. Financial exploitation: response within 5 business days. These timelines are set by Delaware Code § 3903(h).

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts an in-person assessment of the vulnerable adult, including a private interview when possible, interviews with family members, caregivers, and witnesses, and a review of the home environment. Coordination with law enforcement occurs when criminal conduct is suspected. Delaware APS may also consult with medical professionals, legal services, and other agencies.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, APS works with the adult to develop a service plan to address their safety and well-being. Available 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 capacity is in question and safety is at risk, APS may seek protective orders through the courts.

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

Delaware APS investigates abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults 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 Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 302-255-9390. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance should be directed to the Delaware Division of Long-Term Care Residents Protection.

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

Additional Resources in Delaware

• Delaware APS Hotline: 1-888-277-4302 (24/7)
• Delaware APS TTY (New Castle): (302) 453-3837
• Delaware APS TTY (Kent/Sussex): (302) 422-1415
• Delaware Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 302-255-9390
• Delaware DSAAPD (aging services)
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116