Adult Protective Services in Virginia

Virginia Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with incapacitating conditions throughout the state. Administered locally by 120 local departments of social services and overseen statewide by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Virginia APS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make a report, call (888) 832-3858 or submit an online report at dars.virginia.gov/aps/APSreport.htm.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Virginia

Virginia offers both phone and online reporting options for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call (888) 832-3858 to reach Virginia APS, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The statewide hotline routes reports to the local department of social services in the county or city where the alleged victim resides. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the person you are concerned about and the circumstances of the suspected abuse. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under § 63.2-1606.E.

Report Online

Virginia offers an online reporting form, appropriate for non-emergency situations. After submitting an online report, it is routed to the appropriate local department of social services. Reports may be submitted anonymously through the online form.

Emergency Situations

If an older adult or incapacitated adult is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation — call 911 first. Virginia APS is not a first-responder agency. Under § 63.2-1605.B, APS is required to initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receiving a valid report, with face-to-face contact with the alleged victim within 7 calendar days.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following details ready will help Virginia APS triage and respond to your report:

• Full name, age, and current address of the person you are concerned about
• 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 health conditions, disabilities, or care arrangements
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers with relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be anonymous)

Reasonable suspicion is sufficient to report under Virginia law. Proof is not required.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Virginia

Under Code of Virginia § 63.2-1603 et seq., Virginia APS investigates the following categories of abuse and neglect:

• 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 or conduct
• Financial exploitation — Illegal or improper use of a person's money, property, or assets
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, or medical care, or failure of an incapacitated adult to care for themselves
• Self-neglect — Conditions presenting a risk of death or serious harm to an incapacitated adult who cannot care for themselves

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing warning signs early can prevent ongoing harm. Watch for the following indicators when interacting with older adults or adults with disabilities in Virginia.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries in unusual patterns or at different stages of healing
• Evidence of physical restraint — marks on wrists, ankles, or body
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers indicating inadequate care or prolonged immobility
• Weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition without a medical explanation

Behavioral Signs

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

Financial Signs

• Unexplained bank withdrawals or new credit accounts
• Missing personal property or valuables
• Unpaid bills or lack of necessities despite adequate income
• Sudden changes to a will, power of attorney, trust, or beneficiary designations

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Virginia

Any person in Virginia who suspects that an older adult or incapacitated person is being abused, neglected, or exploited may make a report to APS. Reports may be made anonymously. Reports are confidential and exempt from Freedom of Information Act disclosure under § 63.2-1605.I.

Virginia law (§ 63.2-1606) designates mandatory reporters including all persons licensed, certified, or registered by Virginia's health regulatory boards (except veterinarians), mental health providers, emergency medical service providers, and guardians and conservators. These professionals 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 a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first failure and $100 to $1,000 for subsequent failures (§ 63.2-1606.H). Good-faith reporters are immune from civil and criminal liability under § 63.2-1606.E, unless the report was made in bad faith or with malicious intent.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Virginia

Virginia APS follows a defined four-step process after receiving a report.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

The local department of social services reviews the report to determine whether the alleged victim meets Virginia's eligibility criteria — specifically, whether they are an adult age 60 or older, or an incapacitated adult age 18 to 59. The report is assessed for the severity and immediacy of the risk and accepted or declined for investigation.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Under § 63.2-1605.B and 22VAC30-100-20, Virginia APS must initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receiving a valid report. Face-to-face contact with the alleged victim must occur within 7 calendar days of the report. Emergency situations involving imminent danger are prioritized for same-day response.

Step 3 — Investigation

An APS caseworker makes in-person contact with the alleged victim to assess their safety, living conditions, health, and capacity. The caseworker may interview family members, caregivers, neighbors, and medical providers. For criminal conduct, APS coordinates with local law enforcement. Financial exploitation cases may involve coordination with the Virginia Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit or local prosecutors.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or identifies a person at risk, Virginia APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency placement, home-based care, medical and mental health referrals, financial management assistance, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. For incapacitated adults facing serious risk, APS may petition the local circuit court for emergency intervention or guardianship.

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

Virginia APS investigates abuse in community settings — private homes and non-licensed residential 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 Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-552-3402 or visit vda.virginia.gov/ombudsman.htm.

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 Virginia Department of Health. For a detailed guide to the nursing home complaint process in Virginia.

Additional Resources in Virginia

• Virginia APS Hotline: (888) 832-3858 (24/7)
• Virginia APS Online Report
• Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-552-3402
• Virginia DARS
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116
• National Center on Elder Abuse

Virginia's APS system is distinctive because it is administered locally through 120 separate local departments of social services — one for each Virginia city or county. While statewide oversight is provided by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the investigation is conducted by the local DSS in the jurisdiction where the alleged victim lives. This means response times and service availability may vary somewhat by locality, though all offices must meet the statewide legal standards under § 63.2-1605.B.

Virginia APS also receives reports involving incapacitated adults ages 18 to 59 who have physical or mental impairments preventing them from caring for themselves. This population is distinct from the community elder population (60+) but protected under the same statute. If you are uncertain whether the person you are concerned about falls within Virginia APS's jurisdiction, call (888) 832-3858 and let the intake specialist assess eligibility.

If your concern involves a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility in Virginia, the Virginia Nursing Home Complaint Guide explains how to contact the Ombudsman and the Virginia Department of Health.