Adult Protective Services in South Carolina

South Carolina Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS), investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults age 18 and older throughout the state. South Carolina's Omnibus Adult Protection Act (SC Code § 43-35-5 et seq.) establishes a broad protective framework covering adults whose physical or mental conditions substantially limit their ability to care for themselves. To report suspected abuse, call 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) any time of day or night, or submit a report online.

How to Report Elder Abuse in South Carolina

South Carolina provides both phone and online reporting options. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) to reach the South Carolina APS intake line, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained intake specialist will gather information about the person you are concerned about and the circumstances of the suspected abuse or neglect. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers acting in good faith are immune from civil and criminal liability under SC Code § 43-35-75.

Report Online

South Carolina accepts online reports through the SCDSS online services portal — select the 'Report Abuse and Neglect' option. Online reporting is appropriate for non-emergency situations. Reports submitted online are received and reviewed by APS staff for screening and assignment. You may report anonymously.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation — call 911 first. APS is not a first-responder agency. After the immediate crisis is resolved, follow up by contacting SCDSS APS at 1-888-227-3487 to ensure a full investigation and protective services are initiated.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Providing as much detail as possible will help South Carolina APS prioritize and respond to your report effectively:

• Full name, age, and current address of the vulnerable adult
• A description of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation — specific incidents, dates, and locations
• The name and relationship of the alleged abuser (if known)
• Information about the person's physical or mental condition, disabilities, or limitations
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers who may have relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous)

Under SC Code § 43-35-25, any person who has reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect is encouraged to report. Proof is not required — the investigation will determine the facts.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in South Carolina

South Carolina APS investigates the following categories of abuse and neglect under the Omnibus Adult Protection Act (SC Code § 43-35-5 et seq.):

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Psychological abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or conduct causing mental anguish
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or supervision
• Self-neglect — Failure of a vulnerable adult to provide for their own essential needs when they are unable to do so
• Financial exploitation — Misappropriation or improper use of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets
• Abandonment — Desertion by a caregiver who has assumed responsibility for providing care

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing warning signs early is essential to preventing ongoing harm. The following indicators may suggest abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, welts, or injuries at different stages of healing
• Evidence of physical restraint — marks on wrists, ankles, or across the body
• Bedsores, pressure ulcers, or signs of prolonged immobility
• Rapid weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition without a medical explanation

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
• Fear, agitation, or unusual anxiety around a particular caregiver
• Sudden depression, confusion, or behavioral changes inconsistent with the person's medical baseline
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver is present

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or changes to account access
• Missing valuables, unpaid bills, or lack of food or medications despite adequate resources
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations
• New individuals appearing to manage the person's finances or making financial decisions on their behalf

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in South Carolina

Any person in South Carolina who suspects that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited may make a report to APS. Reports may be made anonymously.

South Carolina law designates mandatory reporters under SC Code § 43-35-25, including physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists, medical examiners, coroners, mental health professionals, Christian Science practitioners, religious healers, school teachers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, adult day care staff and volunteers, and law enforcement officers. These professionals are legally required to report whenever they have reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect.

Mandatory reporters who knowingly or willfully fail to report face a misdemeanor charge under SC Code § 43-35-85(A), punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. Good-faith reporters — mandatory or voluntary — are immune from civil and criminal liability under SC Code § 43-35-75.

What Happens After You Report to APS in South Carolina

Once a report is received by SCDSS APS, it is processed through the following steps.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff review the report to determine whether the alleged victim meets the definition of a vulnerable adult under SC Code § 43-35-10(11) and whether the reported conduct falls within APS's investigative jurisdiction. If the criteria are met, the case is accepted and assigned for investigation. If the report involves potential criminal conduct, it is reviewed and referred to law enforcement within 2 working days (SC Code § 43-35-40).

Step 2 — Response Timeline

SCDSS APS initiates investigations promptly upon accepting a report. Emergency situations involving imminent danger receive an immediate response. Non-emergency cases are typically assigned within 24 hours of the report being accepted. All accepted cases are prioritized by the level of risk to the vulnerable adult.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes in-person contact with the alleged victim to assess their safety, living conditions, and overall well-being. The caseworker may interview family members, caregivers, neighbors, and medical providers. If evidence of criminal conduct is found, APS coordinates with law enforcement. Financial exploitation cases may involve coordination with the state attorney general or local prosecutors.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When the investigation substantiates abuse or identifies an at-risk vulnerable adult, SCDSS APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency placement, home care, medical referrals, mental health services, financial management assistance, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity may accept or refuse services. When capacity is in question and risk is serious, APS may pursue court-ordered protective services.

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

South Carolina 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 community residential care facility, contact the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095 or visit aging.sc.gov.

The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints on behalf of licensed facility residents. Complaints about facility licensing and regulatory compliance can be filed with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. For a full guide to the nursing home complaint process in South Carolina.

Additional Resources in South Carolina

• SCDSS APS Hotline: 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487) (24/7)
• SCDSS Online Report
• South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-868-9095
• 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 care facility in South Carolina, the South Carolina Nursing Home Complaint Guide provides full guidance on the complaint process, Ombudsman contacts, and regulatory agencies.