Adult Protective Services in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by the District of Columbia's Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults age 18 and older who are highly vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment and lack someone to protect them. APS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make a report, call (202) 541-3950 or email dacl@dc.gov. Hearing-impaired individuals may use the DC Relay Service at 711.

How to Report Elder Abuse in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. APS accepts reports by phone and email. There is no online self-service reporting portal. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 first.

Report by Phone

Call (202) 541-3950 to reach Washington, D.C. APS, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hearing-impaired callers can use the DC Relay Service at 711. A trained intake specialist will collect information about the person you are concerned about and the nature of the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Reports may be made anonymously, and callers acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability under DC Code § 7-1908.

Report Online

Washington, D.C. APS does not currently offer a statewide online reporting portal. Reports must be made by phone at (202) 541-3950 or by email to dacl@dc.gov. The email channel is monitored during business hours and is appropriate for non-emergency reports. For urgent situations, phone reporting is faster.

Emergency Situations

If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger — facing physical violence, a medical emergency, or another life-threatening situation — call 911 first. Washington, D.C. APS is not a first-responder agency. Under DC Code § 7-1904, emergency cases involving a life-threatening risk must receive an APS response within 24 hours. Non-emergency standard cases must be initiated within 10 business days.

What Information to Have Ready Before You Call

Having the following information ready when contacting D.C. APS will help the intake specialist assess the situation and assign an appropriate response priority:

• Full name, age, and current address of the adult 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, impairments, or disabilities
• Names of other witnesses, family members, or care providers who may have relevant information
• Your own contact information (optional — reports may be made anonymously)

DC Code § 7-1903 requires certain professionals to report when they have reasonable cause to believe abuse has occurred. For all other reporters, reasonable suspicion is sufficient — proof is not required.

Types of Elder Abuse APS Investigates in Washington, D.C.

Under DC Code § 7-1901 et seq. (Adult Protective Services Act of 1984), Washington, D.C. APS investigates the following categories of abuse, neglect, and exploitation affecting eligible adults:

• Physical abuse — Intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, or bodily harm
• Sexual abuse — Non-consensual sexual contact or conduct
• Confinement — Unlawful restriction of movement or freedom
• Emotional threats — Verbal intimidation, threats, or conduct causing psychological harm
• Deprivation of necessities — Withholding essential food, water, shelter, clothing, or medical care
• Neglect — Failure by a caregiver to provide essential care and supervision
• Financial exploitation — Illegal or improper use of a vulnerable adult's money, property, or assets
• Self-neglect — Failure of a vulnerable adult to provide for their own essential needs when they are unable to do so

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing warning signs of abuse is essential in an urban setting like Washington, D.C., where vulnerable adults may live in close proximity to neighbors and community members who can help.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries at different stages of healing
• Evidence of restraint — marks on wrists, ankles, or other areas of the 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, neighbors, or family members
• Fear, agitation, or unusual anxiety around a specific caregiver or person
• Sudden depression, confusion, or behavioral changes inconsistent with the person's medical baseline
• Reluctance to speak when a caregiver or family member is nearby

Financial Signs

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

Who Can (and Must) Report Abuse in Washington, D.C.

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

DC Code § 7-1903 designates mandatory reporters including conservators, court-appointed advocates for adults with intellectual disabilities, guardians, health care administrators, licensed health professionals, mental health professionals, police officers, and others who work directly with vulnerable adults. These individuals are legally required to report when they have reasonable cause to believe abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred.

Mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to report face a misdemeanor charge under DC Code § 7-1912(a), with a fine of up to $300. For licensed health professionals, failure to report may also constitute unprofessional conduct subject to licensing board action. Good-faith reporters — mandatory or voluntary — are immune from civil and criminal liability under DC Code § 7-1908. Reporter identity is protected from disclosure under DC Code § 7-1907.

What Happens After You Report to APS in Washington, D.C.

After a report is received by D.C. APS, it is processed through the following four steps.

Step 1 — Intake Screening

DACL intake staff review the report to determine whether the alleged victim meets the eligibility criteria under DC Code § 7-1901 — specifically, whether they are an adult age 18 or older who is highly vulnerable due to physical or mental impairment and lacks a guardian or other responsible person. Reports meeting the criteria are accepted and assigned a response priority.

Step 2 — Response Timeline

Washington, D.C. APS uses two response tiers under DC Code § 7-1904:

• Emergency (life-threatening risk): APS initiates a response within 24 hours of receiving the report
• Standard (abuse, neglect, or exploitation without immediate life-threatening risk): APS initiates contact within 10 business days

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 the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Financial exploitation cases may involve coordination with the DC Office of the Attorney General.

Step 4 — Service Plan and Outcome

When the investigation confirms abuse, neglect, or exploitation — or identifies a vulnerable adult at risk — DACL APS develops a protective service plan in collaboration with the adult. Services may include emergency shelter, 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. When capacity is in question and risk is serious, APS may pursue court-ordered protective action under DC law.

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

Washington, D.C. 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 in D.C., contact the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 202-724-5626 or visit dacl.dc.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 DC Health Regulation and Licensing Administration. For a guide to the nursing home complaint process in Washington, D.C., visit /state-guides/washington-dc-nursing-home-complaint.

Additional Resources in Washington, D.C.

• D.C. APS: (202) 541-3950 (24/7)
• D.C. APS Email: dacl@dc.gov
• Department of Aging and Community Living
• D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 202-724-5626
• 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 Washington, D.C., the D.C. Nursing Home Complaint Guide provides full guidance on the complaint process and Ombudsman contact information.