Adult Protective Services in Kansas

Kansas Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are unable to protect their own interests and reside in community settings. Under K.S.A. 39-1430 et seq., eligible adults include those age 18 or older who have been harmed or threatened and live in their own home, a family member's or friend's home, an adult family home, or who receive community services. You can report suspected abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-922-5330, or through the DCF Mandated Reporter Portal.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Kansas

Kansas law requires certain professionals to report suspected adult abuse under K.S.A. 39-1431(a). Any member of the public may also file a report. Reporter identity is confidential under K.S.A. 39-1434, and good-faith reporters are immune from civil liability under K.S.A. 39-1432.

Report by Phone

Call the Kansas APS reporting line at 1-800-922-5330. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. TTY users can call 1-785-296-1491. When you call, an intake worker will collect information about the adult, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and any known details about the alleged perpetrator. You do not need proof — reasonable suspicion is sufficient to make a report.

Report Online

Kansas DCF offers a Mandated Reporter Portal for submitting reports online. This portal is designed primarily for mandatory reporters but may be used by others for non-emergency situations. For urgent cases, use the 24/7 phone line at 1-800-922-5330.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 for any situation involving immediate physical danger. APS does not provide emergency first-response services. Kansas APS requires face-to-face contact within 24 hours for cases involving imminent danger. After emergency services have responded, file an APS report by phone so that caseworkers can initiate an investigation.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following information ready will help APS intake staff process your report and assign a response priority under K.S.A. 39-1433:

• 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 condition
• Names and contact information of witnesses or others with knowledge
• Specific safety concerns such as lack of food, medication, heat, or supervision
• Your own contact information (optional — anonymous reports accepted)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Kansas

Kansas APS investigates the following forms of mistreatment under K.S.A. 39-1430:

• Physical abuse: Infliction of physical injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment resulting in physical pain or injury
• Mental/emotional abuse: Verbal or non-verbal conduct causing mental anguish, fear, humiliation, or degradation
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact, exposure, or exploitation
• Neglect: Failure of a caregiver to provide essential food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect: An adult's inability — due to their condition — to meet their own essential needs
• Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, deception, or misappropriation of an adult's money, property, or assets
• Fiduciary abuse: Breach of a position of trust to take financial advantage of a vulnerable adult

Kansas APS coordinates with local law enforcement, the Kansas Attorney General's Office, and other agencies 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 in Kansas. Report what you observe — you do not need certainty to file a report.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or fractures — particularly in unusual locations
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers suggesting inadequate care
• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene or an unsanitary living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, or submissiveness — particularly around a caregiver
• Unexplained depression, agitation, or changes in behavior
• A caregiver who controls conversations, prevents privacy, or appears evasive

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or new authorized signatories on accounts
• Recent changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney
• Unpaid bills or disconnected utilities despite adequate income
• Missing personal property, valuables, or cash

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Kansas

Under K.S.A. 39-1431(a), Kansas mandatory reporters include healing arts licensees, dentists, optometrists, nurses, medical facility officers, mental health professionals, educators, firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel, court services officers, financial officers, rehabilitation counselors, legal representatives, assistance providers, independent living counselors, residential care operators, home health workers, and community services providers. These professionals are legally required to report suspected adult abuse.

Any other person may also file a report. Reporter identity is kept confidential under K.S.A. 39-1434 and will not be disclosed without permission or a court order. Good-faith reporters are immune from civil liability under K.S.A. 39-1432. Mandatory reporters who fail to report may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor under K.S.A. 39-1431(f).

What Happens After You Report to APS in Kansas

After a report is received, Kansas APS follows a structured process with legally mandated timelines.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

DCF intake staff determine whether the subject qualifies as an adult under K.S.A. 39-1430 and whether the reported conduct falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports meeting criteria are accepted and assigned a response priority.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Kansas APS uses legally mandated response timelines under K.S.A. 39-1433. Face-to-face contact with the adult must occur: within 24 hours for cases involving imminent danger; within 3 business days for abuse without immediate danger; and within 5 business days for neglect or exploitation cases. The full investigation must be completed within 30 days for abuse and neglect cases and within 60 days for financial exploitation cases.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker visits the adult in person, typically at their home. The caseworker attempts a private interview with the adult, interviews family members, caregivers, and witnesses, and reviews the home environment and relevant records. Coordination with law enforcement occurs when criminal conduct is suspected.

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. Available services may include emergency shelter, medical and mental health referrals, financial management resources, benefits enrollment, 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 court-ordered protective intervention.

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

Kansas APS investigates abuse and neglect in community settings — private homes, adult family 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 Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), advocates for residents of licensed long-term care facilities. Reach the Ombudsman at 1-877-662-8362. Regulatory complaints about a nursing facility's compliance should be directed to KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing.

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

Additional Resources in Kansas

• Kansas APS Hotline: 1-800-922-5330 (24/7)
• Kansas APS TTY: 1-785-296-1491
• Kansas Mandated Reporter Portal
• Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-662-8362
• Kansas Attorney General Consumer Protection: 785-296-3751
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116