Adult Protective Services in New Jersey

New Jersey Adult Protective Services (APS), operated through the Division of Aging Services within the Department of Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect affecting vulnerable adults living in community settings throughout the state. APS is available through a statewide hotline at 855-835-5277, with services delivered at the county level. If you believe a vulnerable adult is being harmed, do not wait to make a report.

How to Report Elder Abuse in New Jersey

New Jersey APS accepts reports through its statewide hotline and through individual county offices. Reports can be made anonymously — you do not need to provide your name or contact information to submit a report.

Report by Phone

Call the New Jersey APS statewide hotline at 855-835-5277 (855-TELL-APS). This number connects you to the reporting system for all 21 counties. You may also contact your local county APS office directly — a directory of county offices is available at the New Jersey Division of Aging Services website at nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/a-k/aps/offices.shtml.

Report Online

New Jersey APS does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal. Reports must be submitted by phone to the hotline at 855-835-5277 or directly to your county APS office. If you are unsure which county to contact, the statewide hotline will direct your report appropriately.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911 first. APS is not an emergency response service. After ensuring the person is safe, file a report with APS so a caseworker can follow up with an assessment and supportive services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

You do not need proof to make a report — reasonable suspicion is enough. When you call, the intake specialist will ask for as much information as you can provide. Having the following ready will help:

• Full name, approximate age, and home address of the person you are concerned about
• A description of what you observed — the type of abuse, neglect, or exploitation you suspect
• The name and relationship of the suspected abuser, if known
• Information about the person's physical or mental condition and any disabilities
• Names of witnesses or others with relevant information
• Your contact information (optional — reports can be made anonymously)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in New Jersey

New Jersey APS investigates all forms of vulnerable adult abuse occurring in community settings, including private homes. The following categories are covered under the New Jersey Adult Protective Services Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-406 et seq.:

• Physical abuse — Inflicting bodily injury through hitting, pushing, improper restraint, or misuse of medication
• Mental/emotional abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, or deliberate isolation
• Sexual abuse — Any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation
• Financial exploitation — Theft, fraud, misuse of funds or property, coerced changes to wills, trusts, or accounts
• Neglect — A caretaker's failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect — An adult's inability or refusal to meet their own basic needs due to physical or mental incapacity

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the signs of abuse or neglect can be difficult, especially when an abuser controls a victim's access to others. The following warning signs should prompt a report to New Jersey APS.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones
• Signs of restraint such as ligature marks on wrists or ankles
• Poor hygiene, unwashed clothing, or signs of malnutrition
• Pressure sores that indicate prolonged immobility or poor care

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, or social activities
• Fearfulness or anxiety — particularly in the presence of a specific caregiver
• Confusion, disorientation, or unusual depression that is new or worsening
• Reluctance to speak freely when a caregiver is present

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in spending patterns
• Sudden changes to a will, trust, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• Unpaid bills or utilities despite adequate income
• Missing valuables, checks, or financial documents

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in New Jersey

Any person in New Jersey may report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Reports can be made anonymously. New Jersey law designates certain professionals as mandated reporters who are legally required to report known or suspected abuse. Under N.J.S.A. 52:27D et seq., mandated reporters include health care professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.

Mandated reporters who file reports in good faith are protected from civil liability, professional disciplinary action, and any form of retaliation. All reporters are entitled to confidentiality of their identity.

What Happens After You Report to APS in New Jersey

Once a report is filed, New Jersey APS follows a structured process to assess the situation and, if needed, provide protective services to the vulnerable adult.

Step 1 — Intake and Screening

A trained intake specialist screens the report to determine whether it falls within APS jurisdiction — whether the person is a vulnerable adult and whether the alleged harm constitutes abuse, neglect, or exploitation under state law. Reports that meet criteria are assigned for investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Under New Jersey APS policy, a caseworker must conduct a face-to-face visit with the alleged victim within 72 business hours of receiving the report. Emergency situations involving immediate risk of serious harm may prompt a faster response — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Step 3 — Investigation

During the investigation, the APS caseworker visits the vulnerable adult in person, conducts interviews with the client, witnesses, and any suspected abusers, and reviews relevant records. If criminal activity is suspected, APS coordinates with law enforcement. The caseworker's goal is to verify the report and assess the client's current safety and needs.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If abuse or neglect is substantiated, APS works with the client to develop a voluntary service plan. Services available in New Jersey may include emergency placement, home care, medical referrals, mental health services, financial management assistance, and legal advocacy. Clients with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. If a client lacks capacity and faces ongoing danger, APS may coordinate guardianship or other protective legal measures through the courts.

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

New Jersey APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation occurring in community settings — primarily private homes. APS does not investigate abuse in licensed long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living residences, or adult day health facilities.

If you are concerned about a resident of a licensed facility, contact the New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-877-582-6995. The Ombudsman's Office advocates for the rights and welfare of residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar licensed settings. For complaints about facility licensure or regulatory violations, contact the New Jersey Department of Health.

For a complete guide to nursing home complaints in New Jersey, see our New Jersey Nursing Home Complaint Guide.

Additional Resources in New Jersey

• New Jersey APS Statewide Hotline: 855-835-5277 (855-TELL-APS)
• New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-877-582-6995 — nj.gov/osa/ombudsman/
• NJ Division of Aging Services County APS Offices: nj.gov/humanservices/doas/services/a-k/aps/offices.shtml
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• National Center on Elder Abuse

Reports to New Jersey APS are confidential. You do not need to provide your name. If you believe a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, call 855-835-5277 to file a report.