Contacting Florida Adult Protective Services
Every older adult and vulnerable individual deserves to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In Florida, Florida Adult Protective Services plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable residents by investigating allegations of mistreatment and ensuring their safety and well-being. If you suspect an elderly or vulnerable person is being harmed or neglected in any way, contact APS immediately to report your concerns.
What is Florida Adult Protective Services?
Florida Adult Protective Services is a state-run program dedicated to investigating reports and signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Their mission is to promote the safety, dignity, and quality of life for at-risk elderly and vulnerable residents.
How to Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect in Florida
If you suspect that an elderly or vulnerable adult is in harm or neglect of their basic needs, do not hesitate to report your concerns to:
Florida Adult Protective Services
- PHONE: 800-962-2873
- TDD: 800-453-5145
- FAX: 800-914-0004
- ONLINE FORM: Form
For life-threatening emergencies, contact 911 immediately.
What Happens After Reporting?
Once a report is received, Florida Adult Protective Services will promptly:
- Initiate an investigation to assess the situation
- Take actions to ensure the immediate safety of the vulnerable adult
- Coordinate with law enforcement, social services, and others as needed
- Develop a case plan to prevent further harm and connect the individual with supportive services
Protecting Your Privacy
When reporting to Adult Protective Services, your identity as the reporter is kept confidential to protect your privacy. APS professionals understand the sensitive nature of these cases and take measures to safeguard the confidentiality of reporters. The specific agency can address questions relating to their privacy practices.
Comprehensive Support
In most states, Adult Protective Services goes beyond investigating abuse reports. They provide information, referrals, and case management to support vulnerable adults’ independence and quality of life. They aim to ensure seniors and vulnerable individuals remain safe and maintain dignity in the least restrictive setting.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Concerns
In addition to contacting your Florida Adult Protective Services, other agencies investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and substandard care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings.
Each State has a licensing agency responsible for overseeing and regulating nursing homes and assisted living communities within its jurisdiction. You can file a complaint with the state survey agency regarding health, safety, or quality of care standards violations.
These agencies have the authority to conduct inspections, issue citations, and potentially revoke facilities’ licenses for substantiated cases of mistreatment or neglect.
To find the Florida nursing home survey agency, visit our Florida Nursing Home Complaint Resource Page.
Speaking to a Nursing Home Attorney
If the abuse, neglect, or exploitation involves an injury or wrongful death at a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or other long-term care setting, consider consulting an attorney who focuses on these types of cases. A nursing home abuse lawyer can investigate the situation, advise you of your legal rights and options, and pursue appropriate recourse against the negligent facility to stop the mistreatment and recover damages.
