Adult Protective Services in New York

New York Adult Protective Services (APS) provides investigation and support services to adults who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to physical or mental impairments. APS in New York is administered at the local level through county Departments of Social Services, with oversight from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). To find your local APS office or report a concern, call the OCFS helpline at 1-844-697-3505 on Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or contact your county DSS directly.

How to Report Elder Abuse in New York

APS reports in New York are made at the local county level. The OCFS statewide helpline can direct you to the correct county office. For reports outside of business hours, contact your local county DSS APS intake line or call 911 in emergencies.

Report by Phone

Call the OCFS APS statewide helpline at 1-844-697-3505, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This number will connect you with the appropriate county APS program. For New York City residents, APS is administered by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) — you can reach NYC APS at 212-630-1853. Outside New York City, contact your local county Department of Social Services for county-level APS intake.

Report Online

New York State does not offer a statewide online APS reporting portal. Reports must be made by phone to the OCFS helpline at 1-844-697-3505 or directly to your county Department of Social Services. Some counties may accept written referrals — contact your local office for information on available reporting methods.

Emergency Situations

If a person is in immediate danger, call 911. APS is not an emergency response service and cannot dispatch first responders. After emergency services respond, file an APS referral so a caseworker can conduct a needs assessment and connect the person with supportive services.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

You do not need proof to make a report to New York APS — a reasonable belief that abuse or neglect is occurring is sufficient. Having the following information when you call will help the intake worker screen your report efficiently:

• The person's full name, approximate age, and home address
• A description of the specific concern — what you observed or were told
• The name and relationship of the suspected abuser, if known
• Information about the person's physical or mental condition and any known impairments
• Any information about living arrangements or others in the household
• Your contact information (optional — you may report without identifying yourself)

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in New York

Under Social Services Law Article 9-B (Section 473 et seq.), New York APS investigates the following types of harm to eligible adults in community settings:

• Physical abuse — Inflicting bodily injury through hitting, pushing, burning, restraining, or improper administration of medication
• Sexual abuse — Any non-consensual sexual contact, exposure, or exploitation
• Emotional/psychological abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, humiliation, or harassment causing psychological distress
• Financial exploitation — Theft, misuse of funds or property, unauthorized use of accounts, coerced changes to wills or trusts
• Active neglect — A caretaker's intentional failure to provide needed care, resulting in harm or risk of harm
• Passive neglect — A caretaker's unintentional failure to meet care responsibilities due to inability or lack of awareness
• Self-neglect — An adult's inability or refusal to meet their own basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or hygiene

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

New York APS and OCFS identify the following warning signs that a vulnerable adult may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Contact APS if you observe these signs.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, welts, lacerations, or burns — especially in various stages of healing
• Signs of restraint marks on wrists or ankles
• Evidence of malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions
• Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or pressure sores indicating inadequate care

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities previously enjoyed
• Fear, anxiety, or confusion — particularly around specific caregivers
• Unusual depression or personality changes
• Reluctance to speak openly, especially when a caregiver is present

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or changes to financial accounts
• Sudden changes to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or life insurance beneficiaries
• Bills going unpaid despite adequate income; utility shutoffs
• Missing cash, valuables, or financial documents

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in New York

In New York, any person may refer a concern to APS. Unlike many states, New York does not have a general mandatory reporting law for APS cases involving adults in community settings. Current law in 2025 would expand mandatory reporting requirements, but as of now there is no statewide mandate for the general public or most professionals.

All reporters acting in good faith are immune from civil liability under Social Services Law Section 473-b. Referrals to APS are kept confidential to the extent allowed by law. Even without a mandatory reporting obligation, community members, neighbors, family members, and professionals are strongly encouraged to report suspected abuse.

What Happens After You Report to APS in New York

After a referral is received, New York APS follows a structured process to assess the situation, verify the concern, and connect the individual with services.

Step 1 — Intake and Screening

The county APS office screens the referral to determine whether the person qualifies as an eligible adult under Social Services Law Article 9-B and whether the concern falls within APS jurisdiction. Reports that meet criteria are assigned to a caseworker for investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Per OCFS guidelines, life-threatening situations require contact with the alleged victim within 24 hours. For all other reports, APS must initiate the investigation within 72 hours and complete a face-to-face home visit within 3 working days. A comprehensive assessment plan must be developed within 60 days of the referral.

Step 3 — Investigation

The APS caseworker conducts a face-to-face interview with the alleged victim at their residence, interviews witnesses, family members, and the suspected abuser as appropriate, and reviews medical or financial records if relevant. The caseworker determines whether the person qualifies for APS services and assesses immediate safety needs. Law enforcement is notified if criminal activity is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation reveals that the person is an eligible adult in need of protective services, APS develops a voluntary service plan. Services may include emergency placement, home health care, mental health and medical referrals, money management assistance, legal advocacy, and coordination with Adult Protective Services programs. Eligible adults with decision-making capacity have the right to refuse services. Adults who lack capacity and face serious harm may be referred for court-ordered protective services or guardianship.

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

New York APS handles abuse, neglect, and exploitation in community settings — primarily private homes, apartments, and unlicensed care situations. APS does not investigate complaints about licensed nursing homes, adult care facilities, or assisted living residences.

For concerns about residents of licensed long-term care facilities in New York, contact the New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-800-342-9871. The Ombudsman program advocates for the rights and dignity of residents in nursing homes and adult care facilities across the state. For regulatory complaints about facility conditions or staffing, contact the New York State Department of Health.

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

Additional Resources in New York

• OCFS APS Helpline: 1-844-697-3505 (M-F, 8:30am-5pm)
• NYC HRA Adult Protective Services: 212-630-1853
• New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-342-9871
• OCFS Adult Services Program
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• National Center on Elder Abuse

All referrals to New York APS are confidential. If you believe a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, call 1-844-697-3505 to connect with your county APS office.