Adult Protective Services in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Adult Protective Services (APS), operated through the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) within the Department of Health and Human Services, investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect affecting vulnerable adults throughout the state. The APS hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-949-0470 or 603-271-7014. New Hampshire has a universal mandatory reporting requirement — any person who knows of or has reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is being harmed must report.

How to Report Elder Abuse in New Hampshire

Reports to New Hampshire APS must be made during business hours. For after-hours emergencies involving immediate danger, contact local police, the county sheriff, or call 911. New Hampshire law requires all persons — not just specific professionals — to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Report by Phone

Call the New Hampshire APS intake line at 1-800-949-0470 (toll-free, in-state) or 603-271-7014 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Relay NH is available for TTY users at 1-800-735-2964. A trained intake worker will screen your report and determine whether investigation is warranted under RSA 161-F.

Report Online

New Hampshire DHHS has developed an Adult Protective Services online portal through its NHEASY system. For current access information and the direct URL, visit the DHHS website. If you are unsure whether online reporting is available for your situation, call the APS intake line at 1-800-949-0470 — phone remains the most reliable method for urgent reports.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate physical danger, call 911 or contact your local police department or county sheriff. New Hampshire APS does not provide after-hours emergency response. After emergency services have been engaged, contact APS at 1-800-949-0470 during business hours to file a report so a caseworker can follow up with an assessment and supportive services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

When you call New Hampshire APS, you are not required to have proof of abuse. Reasonable cause to believe abuse is occurring is sufficient to file a report. Having the following information ready will help the intake worker complete the report and determine the appropriate response:

• The vulnerable adult's full name, approximate age, and home address
• A description of what you observed or were told — specific incidents, injuries, or behavioral changes
• The name and relationship of the suspected abuser, if known
• Information about the person's physical or mental condition and any known limitations
• Names of other people who may be aware of the situation
• Your own contact information (reports can be confidential, though providing contact info allows investigators to follow up)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in New Hampshire

Under RSA 161-F:42 et seq., New Hampshire APS investigates the following types of harm to vulnerable adults in community settings. Self-neglect is treated the same as other forms of neglect under RSA 161-F:44.

• Physical abuse — Inflicting physical pain, injury, or suffering; improper physical restraint
• Emotional abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation causing psychological harm
• Sexual abuse — Any non-consensual sexual contact, exploitation, or exposure
• Financial exploitation — Theft, misuse of funds or property, unauthorized use of accounts, or coerced changes to legal documents
• Neglect — A caretaker's failure to provide adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect — A vulnerable adult's inability or refusal to provide for their own basic physical or mental needs

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Warning signs of abuse or neglect may be subtle, especially if the victim is isolated or afraid to speak. Contact New Hampshire APS at 1-800-949-0470 if you observe the following:

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, lacerations, burns, or broken bones
• Signs of physical restraint such as marks on the wrists or ankles
• Malnourishment, dehydration, or rapid unexplained weight loss
• Pressure sores or poor personal hygiene suggesting inadequate care

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed social activities or relationships
• Fearfulness, anxiety, or distress — especially around a specific caregiver
• New or worsening depression, confusion, or personality changes
• Apparent reluctance to speak in the presence of a caregiver

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, transfers, or new authorized signatories
• Sudden changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Bills going unpaid or utilities being shut off despite adequate income
• Missing cash, valuables, or financial and legal documents

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in New Hampshire

New Hampshire operates under a universal mandatory reporting system — under RSA 161-F, any person who knows of or has reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, exploited, or placed in a hazardous condition is required to report. This applies to all persons regardless of profession or relationship to the victim.

Reporters acting in good faith are immune from civil and criminal liability under RSA 161-F:47. Reporter identity is confidential and not disclosed without consent or a court order under RSA 161-F:57. Knowing failure to report is a misdemeanor under RSA 161-F:50.

What Happens After You Report to APS in New Hampshire

After a report is filed, New Hampshire APS follows a structured investigation process governed by RSA 161-F.

Step 1 — Intake and Screening

The APS intake worker evaluates your report to determine whether it has a sufficient factual basis for investigation — that is, whether the person qualifies as a vulnerable adult and whether the concern constitutes abuse, neglect, exploitation, or hazardous conditions under New Hampshire law.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Under RSA 161-F:46, if the report has a factual basis, APS must initiate an investigation within 72 hours. For situations involving immediate or life-threatening danger, coordination with local police or 911 is appropriate, since APS does not provide 24/7 emergency response.

Step 3 — Investigation

The APS caseworker conducts a face-to-face visit with the vulnerable adult, interviews witnesses and the suspected abuser as appropriate, and reviews relevant medical or financial records. The caseworker assesses the person's safety, capacity, and service needs. Law enforcement may be notified if criminal conduct is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS develops a protective plan with the vulnerable adult. Services may include emergency shelter, home care, medical and mental health referrals, money management assistance, legal advocacy, and coordination with local aging services. Vulnerable adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. For persons lacking capacity who face serious danger, APS may seek court-authorized protective action or guardianship referral.

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

New Hampshire APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation in community settings such as private homes. APS does not typically investigate complaints about licensed long-term care facilities.

For concerns about residents of nursing homes or residential care facilities in New Hampshire, contact the New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-442-5640. The Ombudsman program advocates for the rights and wellbeing of residents in licensed long-term care facilities throughout the state.

For a complete guide to filing a nursing home complaint in New Hampshire, see our New Hampshire Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in New Hampshire

• New Hampshire APS: 1-800-949-0470 or 603-271-7014 (M-F 8am-4:30pm)
• New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-442-5640
• Relay NH (TTY): 1-800-735-2964
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• National Center on Elder Abuse

New Hampshire APS reports are confidential. If you suspect a vulnerable adult is being harmed, call 1-800-949-0470 during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact local police or 911.