Adult Protective Services in Indiana

Indiana Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Aging, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of endangered adults across the state. Under IC 12-10-3, any person 18 or older who is incapable of self-care or property management due to mental illness, intellectual or developmental disability, dementia, or another incapacity may qualify for APS protection. Indiana is a universal mandatory reporting state, meaning everyone who suspects abuse is legally required to report it. Reports can be made by calling 1-800-992-6978.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Indiana

Indiana is one of a small number of states with a universal mandatory reporting law — every person who has reason to believe an endangered adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited is required to report it. There is no distinction between professionals and the general public. Reports are confidential, and good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under IC 35-46-1-13 and IC 35-46-1-14.

Report by Phone

Call the Indiana APS hotline at 1-800-992-6978. Administrative hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM ET. Reports received after hours are returned the next business day. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. When you call, an intake worker will collect information about the endangered adult, the suspected mistreatment, and the alleged abuser. You do not need proof — reasonable belief is sufficient.

Report Online

Indiana APS information and reporting resources are available at in.gov/fssa/ddars/bba/adult-protective-services/. For general inquiries, you may also email INAPS@pcgus.com. For any situation requiring immediate attention, use the phone hotline.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 for any situation involving immediate physical danger. Life-threatening situations are referred immediately to local law enforcement by APS. After emergency services have responded, contact APS at 1-800-992-6978 so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation and coordinate ongoing protective services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

When calling Indiana APS, having the following information ready will help intake staff assess the situation and determine the appropriate response:

• Full name, age, and address of the endangered 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 condition or incapacity
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with relevant knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of food, medication, supervision, or shelter
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports are accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Indiana

Indiana APS investigates the following forms of mistreatment under IC 12-10-3:

• Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision — including self-neglect when the adult is unable to provide for themselves
• Battery/physical abuse: Physical violence, assault, or harmful restraint
• Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, deception, coercion, or unauthorized use of an endangered adult's money, property, or resources
• Sexual exploitation: Non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or misuse of a position of authority to obtain sexual conduct
• Unauthorized use of personal services or property: Taking or using an adult's services or property without authorization

Indiana APS coordinates with local law enforcement and prosecutors when cases involve potential criminal conduct. Financial exploitation cases may also be referred to the Indiana Attorney General's Office.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when an endangered adult may need protection. The following are common warning signs.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — particularly inconsistent with the explanation given
• Bedsores or signs of inadequate physical care
• Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Poor personal hygiene or unsanitary living conditions

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, or submissiveness around a caregiver
• New or unexplained depression, confusion, or agitation
• Caregiver who prevents private conversation or controls what the adult says

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or suspicious new account activity
• Recent changes to wills, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills or utility disconnections despite adequate income
• Missing valuables, cash, or personal property

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Indiana

Indiana has a universal mandatory reporting law under IC 12-10-3. This means every person — regardless of profession or relationship to the adult — who has reason to believe an endangered adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited is required to report it to APS. Indiana does not distinguish between mandatory and permissive reporters; the obligation applies to everyone.

Reports are confidential under IC 12-10-3, and reporter identity will not be disclosed without a court order or the consent of all parties. Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under IC 35-46-1-13 and IC 35-46-1-14.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Indiana

After a report is received, Indiana APS follows a process to screen, assess, and respond to the reported situation.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff review the report to determine whether the subject qualifies as an endangered adult under IC 12-10-3-2 and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports that meet the criteria are assigned to an APS unit for assessment.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Indiana APS does not publish specific statutory response timeline requirements in publicly available materials. Life-threatening situations are referred immediately to local law enforcement. For non-emergency situations, reports are reviewed by the APS unit director and assigned for follow-up. If you have an urgent concern about the pace of response, contact the FSSA Division of Aging.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker conducts an assessment of the endangered adult, which typically includes an in-person visit, a private interview when possible, interviews with family members and caregivers, and review of relevant records and the home environment. Coordination with law enforcement occurs when criminal conduct is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the assessment confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS develops a service plan with the adult. Available services in Indiana may include emergency shelter, food assistance, medical and mental health referrals, financial management resources, benefits enrollment, and legal advocacy. 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 Indiana?

Indiana APS investigates abuse and neglect of endangered 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 Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of licensed long-term care facilities and investigates complaints about care quality and resident rights. Reach the Ombudsman at 1-800-622-4484. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance should be directed to the Indiana State Department of Health.

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

Additional Resources in Indiana

• Indiana APS Hotline: 1-800-992-6978 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM ET)
• Indiana APS Email: INAPS@pcgus.com
• Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-622-4484 | in.gov/ltco/
• Indiana FSSA Division of Aging: 1-800-545-7763
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116