Adult Protective Services in Washington State

Washington State Adult Protective Services (APS), operated by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) through its Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults throughout the state. Washington APS serves adults age 60 and older who are unable to care for themselves, as well as adults of any age with developmental disabilities, adults under guardianship or conservatorship, and adults receiving licensed home health or personal care services. To make a report, call 1-877-734-6277 (available 24/7), email apscentralintake@dshs.wa.gov, or fax 1-833-866-5590.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Washington State

Washington APS offers multiple reporting options available 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call 1-877-734-6277 to reach Washington APS, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY callers may use 1-833-866-5595. Intake specialists collect information about the alleged victim and the suspected abuse, assign a risk level, and route the case to the appropriate regional ALTSA office. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers acting in good faith are immune from civil and criminal liability under RCW 74.34.050.

Report Online

Washington DSHS provides an online reporting option through the ALTSA website at dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults. You may also email apscentralintake@dshs.wa.gov or fax 1-833-866-5590. These options are appropriate for non-emergency reports and are available 24/7.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 immediately if a vulnerable adult is in immediate physical danger. Washington APS is not a first-responder agency. Under RCW 74.34.063, APS is required to initiate a response within 24 hours of receiving a report. High-risk cases receive a same-day response; medium-risk cases within 5 days; lower-risk cases within 10 days.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

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

• 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 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)

Washington's mandatory reporting law (RCW 74.34.035) requires many professionals to report; all others are encouraged to do so. Reasonable cause is sufficient — proof is not required.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Washington State

Under RCW 74.34, Washington APS investigates the following categories of abuse and neglect affecting vulnerable adults:

• Physical abuse — Non-accidental infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Mental abuse — Verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, or conduct causing psychological distress
• Personal exploitation — Misuse of a vulnerable adult's personal autonomy or services for another's benefit
• Financial exploitation — Illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets
• Improper use of restraint — Use of physical or chemical restraints without proper authorization
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential food, shelter, clothing, or medical care
• Abandonment — Desertion by a caregiver who assumed responsibility for the person
• Self-neglect — Failure of a vulnerable adult to provide for their own essential needs

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing abuse requires careful observation. The following signs may indicate that a vulnerable adult is being mistreated.

Physical Signs

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

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal from social activities or contact with friends and family
• Fear, agitation, or anxiety around a specific caregiver
• Sudden depression, confusion, or behavioral changes
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver is present

Financial Signs

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

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Washington State

Any person in Washington 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.

Washington law (RCW 74.34.035) designates mandatory reporters including DSHS and DCYF employees, law enforcement officers, social workers, professional school personnel, individual care providers, facility operators and employees, social service providers, and financial institution employees. Mandated reporters who knowingly fail to report face a gross misdemeanor under RCW 74.34.053(1).

Good-faith reporters — mandatory or voluntary — are immune from civil and criminal liability under RCW 74.34.050. Reporter identity is confidential under RCW 74.34.040 unless court action or law enforcement involvement requires disclosure.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Washington State

Washington APS follows a risk-based response system after receiving a report.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

DSHS intake staff review the report to determine whether the alleged victim meets the definition of a vulnerable adult under RCW 74.34.020(22) and whether the reported conduct falls within APS's investigative jurisdiction. The case is assigned a risk level — high, medium, or low — based on the nature and immediacy of the risk.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Washington APS uses a risk-tiered response system under RCW 74.34.063:

• High-risk (immediate danger or serious harm): response initiated within 24 hours
• Medium-risk (harm likely without intervention): response initiated within 5 calendar days
• Low-risk (ongoing risk, no immediate danger): response initiated within 10 calendar days

All cases are initiated within 24 hours of receipt regardless of tier.

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. Financial exploitation cases may involve coordination with the Washington Attorney General's office or financial regulators. Criminal conduct is referred to local law enforcement.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When the investigation confirms abuse or identifies a vulnerable adult at risk, Washington APS develops a service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency placement, in-home care, medical and mental health referrals, financial management assistance, and legal referrals. Adults with decision-making capacity retain the right to refuse services. For adults lacking capacity and facing serious risk, APS may seek court-ordered protective action under RCW 74.34.

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

Washington 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 Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-562-6028 or visit waombudsman.org.

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 Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). For a comprehensive guide to the nursing home complaint process in Washington.

Additional Resources in Washington State

• Washington APS Hotline: 1-877-734-6277 (24/7)
• Washington APS Email: apscentralintake@dshs.wa.gov
• Washington APS Fax: 1-833-866-5590
• Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-562-6028 | waombudsman.org
• DSHS ALTSA
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116
• National Center on Elder Abuse

Washington State's APS system covers a particularly broad definition of vulnerable adults — one of the broadest in the country. In addition to older adults age 60 and older who lack self-care capacity, Washington APS serves adults under guardianship or conservatorship, adults with developmental disabilities (regardless of age), adults in licensed facilities (any age), and adults receiving home health, hospice, or personal care services. If you are uncertain whether someone qualifies, call 1-877-734-6277 and the intake specialist will assess eligibility.

Washington also accepts APS reports by email at apscentralintake@dshs.wa.gov and by fax at 1-833-866-5590 — making it one of the more accessible states for non-phone reporters. TTY callers may reach intake at 1-833-866-5595. All channels are available 24/7. For non-urgent situations, emailing or faxing your report with detailed written information can be an effective way to initiate an investigation.

For concerns involving a licensed nursing home or assisted living facility in Washington, the Washington Nursing Home Complaint Guide covers the full complaint process and Ombudsman contact information.