Adult Protective Services in Vermont

Vermont Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by the Division of Licensing and Protection within the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL), investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults age 18 and older. Vermont APS can be reached by phone at 1-800-564-1612 or locally at 802-241-0512, by email at aps@vermont.gov, by fax at 802-241-0342, or through the online reporting portal at dlp.vermont.gov/aps/make-aps-report. Life-threatening emergencies should be directed to 911.

Note: Vermont APS does not have jurisdiction over self-neglect cases. If a vulnerable adult is neglecting their own care needs, contact the local Area Agency on Aging or the AHS Field Services office for appropriate referrals.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Vermont

Vermont offers multiple reporting channels: phone, email, fax, and an online portal. All are available for non-emergency reports; for emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Report by Phone

Call 1-800-564-1612 (toll-free) or 802-241-0512 (local) to reach Vermont APS. A trained intake specialist will gather information about the person you are concerned about and the nature of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Reports may be made anonymously, and good-faith reporters are protected under 33 V.S.A. Chapter 69.

Report Online

Vermont provides a dedicated online reporting portal at dlp.vermont.gov/aps/make-aps-report. The portal is appropriate for non-emergency situations and allows detailed information to be submitted securely. You may also email aps@vermont.gov or fax 802-241-0342 for written reports. Online, email, and fax reports are reviewed by intake staff during business hours.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 immediately if a vulnerable adult is in immediate physical danger or is experiencing a life-threatening situation. Vermont APS coordinates with law enforcement for emergency cases. After the immediate crisis is addressed, follow up by contacting APS at 1-800-564-1612, emailing aps@vermont.gov, or filing online to initiate the investigation.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Providing comprehensive information will help Vermont APS triage 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 disabilities, health conditions, or care arrangements
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers with relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous)

Vermont's mandatory reporting law (33 V.S.A. § 6903) applies to professionals who provide services to adults — but any person can and should report suspected abuse. Reasonable suspicion is sufficient.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Vermont

Under 33 V.S.A. Chapter 69, Vermont APS investigates the following categories of abuse, neglect, and exploitation affecting vulnerable adults:

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Medical abuse — Withholding or providing inappropriate medical treatment, medications, or physical interventions
• Emotional abuse — Verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation causing psychological harm
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Unlawful restraint — Use of physical or chemical restraints without appropriate authorization
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, or medical care
• Financial exploitation — Misuse, misappropriation, or theft of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets

Note: Vermont APS does not investigate self-neglect cases. If an adult cannot care for themselves without a caregiver involved, contact the local Area Agency on Aging or AHS Field Services.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Abuse and neglect are often hidden or mistakenly attributed to aging. Watch for the following warning signs when interacting with older adults or adults with disabilities.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or injuries at different stages of healing
• Marks suggesting restraint on wrists, ankles, or other areas
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers indicating inadequate care or immobility
• Weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition without a medical explanation

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from activities, social contacts, or family members
• Unusual fear, agitation, or anxiety — especially around a specific caregiver
• Sudden depression, confusion, or behavioral changes inconsistent with the person's baseline
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver or family member is present

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or new financial accounts
• Missing personal property, jewelry, or valuables
• Unpaid bills or lack of necessary medications despite adequate resources
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, or beneficiary designations

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Vermont

Any person in Vermont who has reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited may make a report to APS. Reports may be made anonymously.

Under 33 V.S.A. § 6903, mandatory reporters include employees, contractors, volunteers, and grantees who provide health care, law enforcement services, caregiving, counseling, education, or social services to adults. These individuals are legally required to report when they have reasonable cause to believe abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred.

Mandatory reporters who fail to report face an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 per violation under 33 V.S.A. § 6913. If the mandatory reporter is also the caregiver, the failure to report may itself be treated as neglect. Good-faith reporters are protected from civil liability under Vermont's APS reporting provisions. Reporter identity is confidential under 33 V.S.A. § 6903(c) unless the reporter consents to disclosure or a court orders it.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Vermont

Vermont APS follows a structured intake and investigation process after receiving a report.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

APS intake staff review the report to determine whether the alleged victim meets the definition of a vulnerable adult under 33 V.S.A. § 6902 and whether the reported conduct falls within APS's investigative jurisdiction. Severe cases — involving hospitalization, sexual abuse, or ongoing harm — are prioritized for immediate assessment.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Vermont APS initiates assessments or investigations based on severity:

• Severe cases (hospitalization, sexual abuse, ongoing harm): assessment begins within 1 business day
• Moderate-risk cases: screening completed within approximately 3 business days

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes in-person contact with the alleged victim to assess their safety, living conditions, health, and care arrangements. The caseworker may interview family members, caregivers, neighbors, and medical providers. For criminal conduct, APS coordinates with local law enforcement and the Vermont Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

If the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation — or identifies a vulnerable adult at risk — APS works with the adult to develop a protective service plan. Available services may include emergency placement, in-home care, medical and mental health referrals, financial management support, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. For adults lacking capacity and facing serious risk, APS may pursue court-ordered protective action under Vermont law.

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

Vermont APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes, licensed residential care facilities, and other settings covered under 33 V.S.A. Chapter 69. For complaints about abuse, neglect, or poor care in a licensed nursing home, assisted living facility, or other licensed long-term care setting, contact the Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-889-2047 or visit vtombudsman.org.

The Ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints on behalf of facility residents. Complaints about facility licensing and regulatory compliance can be filed with the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living. For a complete guide to the nursing home complaint process in Vermont.

Additional Resources in Vermont

• Vermont APS Phone: 1-800-564-1612 or 802-241-0512
• Vermont APS Email: aps@vermont.gov
• Vermont APS Online Portal
• Vermont APS Fax: 802-241-0342
• Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-889-2047 | vtombudsman.org
• DAIL
• 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 care facility in Vermont, the Vermont Nursing Home Complaint Guide explains the full complaint process and how to contact the Ombudsman and DAIL.