Adult Protective Services in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the Office of Healthy Aging within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of Rhode Islanders age 60 and older. Rhode Island's mandatory reporting law is universal — all residents are required to report suspected elder abuse, making it one of the most inclusive reporting frameworks in the country. To make a report, call 401-462-0555 (available 24/7) or file a report online through the secure web intake form.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers both phone and online reporting options. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call 401-462-0555 to reach Rhode Island APS, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hearing-impaired callers may use Rhode Island Relay at 711. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the person you are concerned about and the nature of the suspected abuse. Reports may be made anonymously, and all callers acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8(e).

Report Online

Rhode Island provides a secure online reporting portal. The web intake form is appropriate for non-emergency situations and allows you to submit detailed information about the suspected abuse. Reports submitted online are received by APS and reviewed by intake staff. The portal is available 24/7. As with phone reports, online reports may be made anonymously.

Emergency Situations

If an older adult is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation — call 911 first. Rhode Island APS is not a first-responder agency. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8.2, APS is required to initiate an investigation immediately upon receiving a report, including making personal contact with the alleged victim.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following information ready when contacting Rhode Island APS will help intake staff respond as quickly and effectively as possible:

• Full name, age, and current address of the elder 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 health conditions or functional limitations
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers with relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous, but contact details help investigators follow up)

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8, any person who has reasonable cause to believe an elder is being abused must report. Reasonable suspicion is the standard — proof is not required.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Rhode Island

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-1 et seq., Rhode Island APS investigates the following categories of abuse and neglect affecting persons age 60 and older:

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Emotional abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or conduct causing psychological distress
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact, conduct, or exploitation
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or supervision
• Financial exploitation — Misappropriation or misuse of an elder's money, property, or assets
• Self-neglect — Failure of an elder to provide for their own essential needs when they are unable to do so independently

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Abuse is often hidden, and older adults may not report it due to fear, dependence, or cognitive impairment. The following signs may indicate that an elder is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries at different stages of healing
• Marks suggesting restraint on the wrists or ankles
• Bedsores, pressure ulcers, or signs of prolonged immobility without medical explanation
• Rapid weight loss, dehydration, or visible malnutrition

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from social activities, friends, or family members
• Fearfulness, agitation, or unusual anxiety around a caregiver or specific person
• Sudden depression, confusion, or behavioral changes inconsistent with medical baseline
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver is nearby

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or changes to account access
• Missing personal property, jewelry, or valuables
• Unpaid bills or lack of necessities despite adequate income
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has one of the broadest mandatory reporting requirements in the country. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8, all Rhode Islanders are required to report suspected elder abuse — not just professionals. Any person who has reasonable cause to believe an elder age 60 or older is being abused, neglected, or exploited must make a report.

Specifically designated mandatory reporters under the statute include physicians, nurses, police officers, EMTs, social workers, and other professionals who regularly interact with older adults. Reports may be made anonymously, though providing contact information helps investigators follow up.

Mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to report face a fine of up to $1,000 under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8(d). All good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under § 42-66-8(e), and employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who make reports under § 42-66-11.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Rhode Island

Rhode Island APS is required by statute to investigate immediately upon receiving a report. The following steps describe the investigation process.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

Upon receiving a report, APS intake staff evaluate whether the alleged victim meets the eligibility criteria (age 60 or older) and whether the reported conduct falls within APS's investigative jurisdiction under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8.2. The report is assigned for immediate investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66-8.2, Rhode Island APS is required to investigate immediately upon receiving a report, including making personal contact with the alleged victim. This makes Rhode Island's response standard one of the most immediate in the country. Emergency situations involving imminent danger to life are coordinated with law enforcement and emergency services.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes direct, in-person contact with the alleged victim. The caseworker assesses the elder's living conditions, health, safety, and ability to make informed decisions. The caseworker may interview family members, caregivers, neighbors, and medical providers. If criminal activity is identified, APS coordinates with local law enforcement and prosecutors.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When an investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation — or identifies an elder at risk — APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the elder. Available services may include emergency shelter, in-home care, medical referrals, mental health services, financial management support, and legal assistance. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. When capacity is in question and risk is serious, APS may pursue court-ordered protective action.

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

Rhode Island APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes, apartments, and similar non-facility environments. For complaints about abuse, neglect, or poor care inside a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other licensed long-term care setting, contact the Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-401-785-3340 or visit ltcoombudsman.org.

The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints on behalf of residents of licensed care facilities. Complaints about facility licensing and regulatory compliance can be filed with the Rhode Island Department of Health. For a complete guide to the nursing home complaint process in Rhode Island.

Additional Resources in Rhode Island

• Rhode Island APS Hotline: 401-462-0555 (24/7)
• Rhode Island APS Online Report
• Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-401-785-3340 | ltcoombudsman.org
• Office of Healthy Aging
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116
• National Center on Elder Abuse

For concerns involving a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Nursing Home Complaint Guide walks you through how to contact the Ombudsman and the Rhode Island Department of Health.