Adult Protective Services in Georgia

Georgia Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by the Division of Aging Services within the Georgia Department of Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving adults age 65 and older and adults age 18 and older with disabilities who live in the community. Under the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-1 et seq.), APS has authority to investigate and provide services to protect eligible adults from harm. You can report suspected abuse by calling 1-866-552-4464 (option 3) during business hours or using the online reporting form at georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse, which is available 24/7.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Georgia

Georgia law requires certain professionals to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults and elder persons under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4. Any member of the public may also file a report. Reporter identity is protected from the subject of the report, reports are kept confidential, and good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4(c).

Report by Phone

Call the Georgia APS line at 1-866-552-4464 and select option 3. Phones are staffed Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. After business hours, you may leave a message and a caseworker will return your call the next business day. For urgent situations after hours, use the online reporting form. An intake worker will gather information about the adult, the suspected mistreatment, and any known details about the alleged perpetrator. You do not need proof to file a report.

Report Online

Georgia offers 24/7 online reporting through the APS intake form at georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse. The online portal allows you to submit a report at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Online reports are reviewed by APS staff during business hours. For emergencies outside business hours, call 911.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 if an adult is in immediate physical danger. APS is not an emergency response agency. After law enforcement has addressed the immediate crisis, file a report with APS online or by phone so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and connect the person with 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 know — incomplete information does not prevent a report from being accepted:

• Full name, age, and address of the 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 adult'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, or supervision
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be made anonymously)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Georgia

Georgia APS investigates the following categories of mistreatment under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-1 et seq.:

• Physical abuse: Willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment causing physical pain or injury
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, harassment, or intimidation causing mental anguish
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
• Neglect: Failure — by a caregiver or the person themselves — to provide essential food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: An adult's inability — due to impairment — to meet their own basic needs, resulting in a threat to their health or safety
• Financial exploitation: Misappropriation, misuse, or unauthorized taking of an adult's money, property, or assets

Georgia APS coordinates with law enforcement, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and other agencies when cases involve potential criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

The following indicators may signal that an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. Report what you observe — you do not need certainty to contact APS.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — especially recurring or in unusual locations
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers indicating inadequate care
• Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition
• Poor personal hygiene or unkempt living conditions

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, or unusual submissiveness around a specific caregiver
• Unexplained changes in mood, behavior, or daily routine
• A caregiver who dominates conversations or prevents the adult from speaking privately

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or unusual financial activity
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney the adult cannot explain
• Unpaid bills, disconnected utilities, or shortage of necessities despite sufficient income
• Caregiver or family member with unusual interest in the adult's finances or property

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Georgia

Under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4, Georgia mandated reporters include medical personnel, physical and occupational therapists, daycare personnel, coroners, medical examiners, EMS personnel, health agency employees, clergy, financial institution employees, hospital staff, and social agency employees. These professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse of disabled adults and elder persons.

Any other person may also file a report. Reporter identity is protected from the subject of the report, and reports are kept confidential. Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability unless acting in bad faith or with malicious intent (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4(c)). Mandated reporters who fail to report may be charged with a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Georgia

After a report is submitted, Georgia APS follows a structured process to assess the situation and provide protective intervention.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff assess whether the subject qualifies as an eligible adult under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-1 (elder person 65+, or disabled adult 18+) and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Qualifying reports are accepted for investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Georgia APS aims to respond to referrals within 10 calendar days of receipt. Emergency situations — where there is immediate danger to life or health — receive a response within 24 hours. Emergency reports should always begin with a 911 call, followed by an APS report.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker visits the adult in person, typically at their home. The caseworker attempts a private interview with the adult, speaks with family members, caregivers, and witnesses, reviews the living environment, and coordinates with law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected. Georgia APS works closely with local law enforcement and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on criminal cases involving elder abuse.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS works with the adult to develop a service plan addressing their safety and needs. Georgia APS may arrange homemaker services, emergency shelter, medical referrals, mental health services, financial counseling, and legal assistance. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question, APS may seek court-ordered protective intervention.

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

Georgia APS investigates abuse and neglect of adults in community settings — private homes and non-institutional environments. APS does not investigate complaints about residents of licensed long-term care facilities. If your concern involves a nursing home or assisted living facility resident, contact the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman through the Division of Aging Services at 1-866-552-4464 (option 5). Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance should be directed to the Georgia Department of Community Health, Health care Facility Regulation Division.

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

Additional Resources in Georgia

• Georgia APS Phone: 1-866-552-4464, option 3 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM)
• Georgia APS Online Reporting: georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse (24/7)
• Georgia APS Fax: 770-408-3001
• Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-866-552-4464, option 5
• Georgia Division of Aging Services
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116