Adult Protective Services in Ohio

Ohio Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older Ohioans living in community settings. Administered locally by county Departments of Job and Family Services under the oversight of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), APS is available around the clock to receive reports and respond to emergencies. To make a report, call 1-855-644-6277 (855-OHIO-APS) or file online — both available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Ohio

Ohio offers two statewide reporting options: a dedicated 24/7 hotline and an online reporting portal. For immediate danger, always call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call 1-855-644-6277 (855-OHIO-APS) to reach Ohio's statewide APS intake line, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the suspected abuse or neglect and determine the appropriate response level. You do not need proof to make a report — reasonable cause or suspicion is sufficient. Reports may be made anonymously.

Report Online

Ohio operates a statewide online reporting portal. The secure portal is available 24/7 and is appropriate for non-emergency situations. After submitting an online report, the system routes the information to the appropriate county APS office for review and assignment. Providing contact information — even for anonymous reporters — helps caseworkers follow up if additional details are needed.

Emergency Situations

If an older adult is in immediate danger — facing violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation — call 911 first. APS is not a first-responder agency. Once the immediate emergency is addressed, a report to APS ensures that an investigation and ongoing protective services follow.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details available will help the intake specialist process your report quickly and assign an appropriate response priority:

• Full name, age, and current address of the person you are concerned about
• A description of what you observed or heard — specific incidents, dates, and locations
• The name and relationship of the suspected abuser (if known)
• Any known physical or mental health conditions affecting the person
• Names and contact information of other potential witnesses or family members
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous, but contact info helps investigators follow up)

You do not need to have all of this information to make a report. Providing whatever you know is better than waiting to gather more details.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Ohio

Under Ohio Revised Code § 5101.60 to 5101.73, Ohio APS investigates the following categories of abuse involving adults age 60 and older who live in independent (non-facility) settings:

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical harm, unreasonable confinement, or cruel punishment
• Emotional abuse — Verbal intimidation, threats, humiliation, or psychological harm that causes mental anguish
• Sexual abuse — Any non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Financial exploitation — Unlawful or improper use of an adult's money, property, or resources through deception, intimidation, or lack of consent
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential goods, services, or supervision, including abandonment
• Self-neglect — Failure of an adult to provide for their own basic needs when they are unable to do so independently

Ohio's APS statutes use the term "neglect" broadly, encompassing both caregiver neglect and self-neglect. All of these categories can occur independently or in combination.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the warning signs of abuse is the first step toward getting help. The following signs may indicate that an older adult is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, welts, or broken bones — especially in various stages of healing
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers) or signs of physical restraint (marks on wrists or ankles)
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition
• Poor personal hygiene, unwashed clothing, or a dirty or unsafe living environment

Behavioral Signs

• Sudden withdrawal from social activities or isolation from friends and family
• Fearfulness, anxiety, or agitation — especially around a specific caregiver
• Unexplained confusion, disorientation, or changes in mood beyond what a medical condition explains
• Depression, passivity, or uncharacteristic emotional changes

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals, bounced checks, or sudden changes to account signatories
• Missing personal possessions, jewelry, or valuables
• Unpaid bills, utility shutoffs, or lack of necessary medications despite having adequate income
• Sudden changes to a will, trust, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Ohio

Any person who has reasonable cause to believe that an adult age 60 or older is being abused, neglected, or exploited in Ohio may — and is encouraged to — make a report to APS. Reports may be made anonymously.

Ohio law (ORC 5101.63(A)(2)) designates a broad list of mandatory reporters who are legally required to report suspected abuse. This list includes attorneys, physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, health facility employees, firefighters, EMTs, first responders, building inspectors, CPAs, real estate agents, notaries, bank employees, financial planners and advisers, senior service providers, peace officers, coroners, and clergy.

Mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to make a required report face a civil penalty of up to $500 under ORC 5101.63(A). Reporters acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under ORC 5101.63(D), even if the investigation does not confirm abuse.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Ohio

Once a report is received by Ohio APS, it goes through a defined four-step process before the case is resolved.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

A trained intake specialist reviews the report to determine whether it meets the statutory definition of abuse, neglect, or exploitation under ORC 5101.60, and whether the person falls within APS's jurisdiction (age 60 or older, living in an independent setting, not residing in a licensed care facility). Reports that meet the criteria are assigned a priority level.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Ohio APS assigns cases one of two priority levels based on the nature and severity of the reported harm:

• Emergency (imminent danger or risk of death): APS initiates a response within 24 hours of receiving the report
• Non-emergency (abuse, neglect, or exploitation without immediate danger): APS initiates contact within 3 working days (ORC 5101.62)

In practice, emergency responses often involve coordination with local law enforcement or adult emergency services.

Step 3 — Investigation

A county APS caseworker conducts an in-person assessment of the alleged victim, typically at their home. The caseworker will interview the adult, and may speak with family members, neighbors, caregivers, or medical providers with the adult's consent. The caseworker evaluates the living conditions, the adult's physical and mental health, the circumstances of the alleged abuse, and the presence of any identified perpetrator.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation finds that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred — or that the adult is at risk — APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency shelter, food and nutrition assistance, home repairs, medical referrals, mental health services, financial management assistance, or legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to accept or refuse services. If an adult lacks capacity and faces serious ongoing risk, APS may pursue an emergency protective order or referral for guardianship through Ohio Probate Court.

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

Ohio APS investigates abuse and neglect in community settings — private homes, apartments, and other independent living arrangements. APS does not investigate complaints about abuse occurring inside licensed nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or other licensed residential care settings.

For complaints about abuse, neglect, or poor care inside a licensed Ohio nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206 or visit ltcombudsman.ohio.gov. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints about licensed facilities and works to resolve issues on behalf of residents.

For complaints about the facility's license or regulatory compliance (deficiencies, staffing, infection control), contact the Ohio Department of Health's survey and certification division. A detailed guide to filing a nursing home complaint in Ohio.

Additional Resources in Ohio

• Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-282-1206
• Ohio APS Online Portal
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (APS oversight)
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116
• National Center on Elder Abuse

If your concern involves a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility, the Ohio Nursing Home Complaint Guide walks you through the full reporting process, including how to contact the Ombudsman and the Ohio Department of Health.