Adult Protective Services in Illinois

Illinois Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Illinois Department on Aging, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and self-neglect involving adults age 60 and older and adults age 18 to 59 with disabilities who live in domestic settings. Under the Illinois Adult Protective Services Act (320 ILCS 20/), APS has authority to investigate and provide services to eligible adults at risk of harm. You can report suspected abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-866-800-1409. TTY users may call through Illinois Relay at 711.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Illinois

Illinois law designates a broad range of professionals as mandatory reporters who are required to report suspected abuse under 320 ILCS 20/4. Any member of the public may also report. Reporter identity is kept confidential under 320 ILCS 20/4(c), and good-faith reporters are immune from civil, criminal, and professional liability under 320 ILCS 20/4(a-7) and (b).

Report by Phone

Call the Illinois APS hotline at 1-866-800-1409. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users can access the line through Illinois Relay at 711. An intake worker will collect information about the eligible adult, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and any known details about the alleged abuser. You do not need proof — reasonable suspicion is sufficient to file a report.

Report Online

Illinois APS does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal. All reports must be made by phone at 1-866-800-1409 or through Illinois Relay at 711. For any emergency, always call 911 first.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 if an eligible adult is in immediate physical danger. APS does not provide emergency first-response services. Illinois APS has a Priority I response category for life-threatening situations, which must be initiated within 24 hours of a report being received. For any immediate threat, dial 911 first, then file an APS report.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details available when you call will help the intake worker process your report efficiently and assign the correct priority level:

• Full name, age, and address of the eligible adult
• Description of the suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self-neglect
• Name and relationship of the alleged abuser, if known
• Information about the adult's physical or mental health conditions or disabilities
• 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 APS Investigates in Illinois

Illinois APS investigates the following types of mistreatment under 320 ILCS 20/2:

• Physical abuse: Non-accidental infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, or intimidation
• Mental/emotional abuse: Verbal or nonverbal conduct that inflicts anguish, humiliation, or fear
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact, exposure, or exploitation
• Neglect: Failure of a caregiver to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision; or failure of the person to provide for their own essential needs
• Self-neglect: An eligible adult's inability or unwillingness to provide for their own essential needs, creating serious risk to health or safety
• Financial exploitation: Misappropriation, theft, or unauthorized use of an adult's money, property, or assets
• Abandonment: Desertion of an eligible adult by a caregiver who has responsibility for their care

Illinois APS works in coordination with local law enforcement, the Illinois State Police, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office on cases that may involve criminal conduct.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

The following warning signs may suggest that an eligible adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. Report what you observe — you do not need certainty to call APS.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — particularly in unusual locations or inconsistent with the explanation
• Bedsores or pressure injuries suggesting inadequate care
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or an unsanitary living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme submissiveness — particularly around a caregiver or family member
• New or unexplained depression, agitation, or confusion
• A caregiver who insists on being present at all times, controls conversations, or appears dismissive of the adult's needs

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or new authorized signatories
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills, utility shutoffs, or eviction notices despite adequate income
• Missing cash, valuables, or personal property

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Illinois

Under 320 ILCS 20/2(f-5), Illinois mandatory reporters include health care personnel (physicians, dentists, optometrists, nurses, therapists), pharmacists, DHS employees, state employees, coroners, paramedics, and fire service personnel. These designated professionals are legally required to report suspected abuse of eligible adults.

Any other person may also file a report. Reporter identity is kept confidential under 320 ILCS 20/4(c). Good-faith reporters are immune from civil, criminal, and professional disciplinary liability under 320 ILCS 20/4(a-7) and (b). Mandatory reporters who fail to report may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor under 320 ILCS 20/4(e). For physicians, dentists, and optometrists, the failure is also referred to the relevant licensing board.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Illinois

After a report is received, Illinois APS follows a tiered, structured process to assess the situation and provide protective intervention.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff determine whether the subject qualifies as an eligible adult under 320 ILCS 20/2(e) — either an adult age 60 or older, or an adult age 18 to 59 with a disability living in a domestic setting — and whether the reported conduct is within APS jurisdiction. Qualifying reports are accepted and assigned a priority level.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Illinois APS uses a three-tier priority system. Priority I (life-threatening situations involving serious physical injury or immediate danger): initiated within 24 hours. Priority II (serious abuse or neglect not immediately life-threatening): initiated within 72 hours. Standard (other cases): initiated within 7 days. These timelines are mandated by 320 ILCS 20/6.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts an in-person assessment of the eligible adult, typically at their home. The caseworker interviews the adult privately when possible, speaks with family members, caregivers, and witnesses, reviews the home environment, and coordinates with law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected. Illinois APS may also consult with medical professionals, financial institutions, and legal services agencies.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS develops a service plan with the adult. Services available in Illinois may include emergency shelter, food assistance, medical and mental health referrals, benefits enrollment, financial management resources, legal assistance, and caregiver support. Adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. If capacity is in question and safety is at risk, APS may seek court-ordered protective intervention.

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

Illinois APS investigates abuse and neglect of eligible adults in domestic living settings — private homes and non-institutional environments. The Illinois Adult Protective Services Act specifically covers adults in domestic situations and does not extend to residents of licensed long-term care facilities. If your concern involves a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other licensed facility, contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of residents in licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman toll-free at 1-800-252-8966. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility should be directed to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Health Care Facilities Complaint Line.

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

Additional Resources in Illinois

• Illinois APS Hotline: 1-866-800-1409 (24/7)
• Illinois APS TTY: Illinois Relay 711
• Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-252-8966
• Illinois Department on Aging: 1-800-252-8966
• Illinois Attorney General Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-386-5438
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116