Adult Protective Services in Oregon

Oregon Adult Protective Services (APS), operated through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Aging and People with Disabilities division, investigates abuse and neglect of older adults and adults with disabilities living in community settings. Oregon APS serves adults age 65 and older, adults 18 and older with physical or cognitive disabilities, and residents of APD-licensed facilities. To report suspected abuse, call 1-855-503-SAFE (1-855-503-7233), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Oregon does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal for APS.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Oregon

Oregon requires all reports of suspected abuse to be made by phone. There is no statewide online reporting portal for APS. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Report by Phone

Call 1-855-503-SAFE (1-855-503-7233) to reach the Oregon APS intake line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hearing-impaired callers can use the Oregon Relay Service at 711. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the suspected abuse, assess the risk level, and determine the appropriate response timeline. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers are protected from liability for good-faith reports under ORS 124.075.

Report Online

Oregon APS does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal. All reports must be made by phone at 1-855-503-7233. For general inquiries (not reports), you may contact ODHS at centralaps@odhs.oregon.gov. If you suspect abuse in a licensed care facility, the online complaint form for the Oregon Department of Human Services may be appropriate — visit oregon.gov/odhs for guidance.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 immediately if an older adult or adult with a disability is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation. Oregon APS receives the 911 notification in emergency cases and initiates a same-day response. APS is not a first-responder agency; law enforcement and emergency medical services handle the immediate crisis.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

When calling Oregon APS at 1-855-503-7233, having the following information ready will help the intake specialist triage the report accurately:

• Full name, age, and current address of the person you are concerned about
• A description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation — what you observed, when, and where
• The name and relationship of the alleged abuser (if known)
• Information about the person's physical or cognitive condition or disabilities
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers who may have relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be made anonymously)

Oregon's mandatory reporting law (ORS 124.050) requires that reports be made as soon as there is reasonable cause to believe abuse has occurred or is occurring. You do not need proof.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Oregon

Under ORS 124.050 to 124.095 and OAR 411-020, Oregon APS investigates the following categories of abuse affecting eligible adults:

• Physical abuse — Non-accidental infliction of physical pain or injury
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential care, including medical treatment, food, or shelter
• Abandonment — Desertion of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver
• Verbal abuse — Use of words, sounds, or gestures that threaten, humiliate, or cause mental distress
• Emotional abuse — Willful infliction of mental or emotional distress through intimidation, threats, or isolation
• Financial exploitation — Wrongful use of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets
• Involuntary seclusion — Confining an adult against their will without legitimate reason
• Wrongful restraint — Using physical or chemical restraints improperly
• Self-neglect — Failure of a vulnerable adult to provide for their own essential needs when they are unable to do so

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Abuse is often hidden or misattributed to aging. The following signs may indicate that an older adult or person with a disability is experiencing abuse or neglect.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or marks at different stages of healing
• Evidence of improper restraint — marks on wrists, ankles, or across the torso
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers) or signs of prolonged immobility without medical explanation
• Weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition without a medical cause

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from regular activities, visitors, or social contacts
• Fearfulness, hypervigilance, or anxiety around a caregiver or specific person
• Sudden confusion, disorientation, or depression inconsistent with the person's medical baseline
• Reluctance to speak or communicate when a caregiver is present

Financial Signs

• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or changes to account access
• New signatures on financial documents, or changes to power of attorney, beneficiary designations, or a will
• Missing valuables, unpaid bills, or lack of necessities despite adequate financial resources
• Unusual financial transactions or unfamiliar people managing the person's finances

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Oregon

Any person who has reasonable cause to believe that an older adult or adult with a disability is being abused, neglected, or exploited in Oregon may make a report to APS. Reports may be made anonymously.

Oregon law (ORS 124.050(9)) designates specific mandatory reporters — public and private officials including physicians, nurses, ODHS employees, peace officers, clergy, social workers, therapists, and others specified in the statute. Mandatory reporters who fail to report suspected abuse face a Class A violation under ORS 124.990.

All good-faith reporters — mandatory or voluntary — are immune from civil and criminal liability under ORS 124.075, even if an investigation does not confirm abuse. Reporter identity is protected from disclosure under ORS 124.090, except by court order, consent, or when required by law.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Oregon

Oregon APS uses a tiered triage system to prioritize responses based on the level of risk to the alleged victim.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

When a report is received, an intake specialist assesses the information to determine whether the person qualifies for APS services under Oregon law and evaluates the severity of the risk. The intake specialist may ask clarifying questions and gather additional details. Emergency situations are flagged for immediate response.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Oregon APS determines the response priority based on OAR 411-020-0080:

• Emergency (imminent danger of death or serious harm): 911 is notified; APS responds immediately
• Imminent danger (serious harm likely very soon): response by end of the same working day
• Hazardous (harm likely without intervention): response by the next working day
• Chronic or low risk (ongoing risk, no immediate danger): response within 5 working days

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes in-person contact with the alleged victim to assess the situation. The caseworker evaluates the person's living conditions, safety, and capacity to make informed decisions, and may interview caregivers, family members, neighbors, and health care providers. The caseworker coordinates with law enforcement when criminal activity is suspected.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation substantiates abuse or identifies unmet needs, APS develops a protective services plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include home-based care, medical referrals, mental health support, emergency placement, financial management assistance, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. When capacity is in question and risk is severe, APS may pursue court-ordered intervention.

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

Oregon APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes, apartments, and similar non-facility environments. For complaints about abuse or poor care inside a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other licensed long-term care setting, contact the Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-522-2602 or visit ltco.oregon.gov.

The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints on behalf of residents of licensed care facilities. Complaints about facility licensure and regulatory compliance can be filed with the Oregon Department of Human Services. For a detailed guide to the nursing home complaint process in Oregon.

Additional Resources in Oregon

• Oregon APS Hotline: 1-855-503-7233 (24/7)
• Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-522-2602
• Oregon ODHS Aging and People with Disabilities: oregon.gov/odhs
• 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, assisted living facility, or other licensed care setting in Oregon, the Oregon Nursing Home Complaint Guide explains how to contact the Ombudsman and file a formal complaint.