Adult Services Department - Adult Protective Services

Adult Services Department - Adult Protective Services Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports on elder adults (60 years and older) and adults living with a disability (ages 18 to 59 with physical or mental limitations) when these adults are unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Services & Support Adult Protective Services provides services with the goal to create a safe environment where the individual can safely function without requiring additional intervention from the APS program. Every APS case starts with an initial suspected abuse report. Once a report is received, an APS Social Worker may: - Initiate a personal visit to interview the adult within 24 hours to 10 days and determine if there is risk to the individual and the capacity of that individual to make their own decisions - Interview collateral contacts - Discuss with the individual what actions are needed to prevent further risk and/or harm - With the adult's consent, assist in locating available local resources which are necessary to maintain physical or mental health, including: legal services, medical care, appropriate living arrangements, food, clothing, adequate shelter, protection from maltreatment, transportation, and assistance with personal hygiene - Provide advocacy to assure protection of personal rights and confidentiality The APS program is not intended to interfere with the lifestyle choices of elders or dependent adults. An elder who has been abused may refuse or withdraw consent at any time for services offered by APS. An exception to this policy can occur when an elder is mentally incapacitated by significant cognitive impairments and/or is being subjected to undue influence by another person. Reporting Procedures Any concerned person can report known or suspected elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect. Reports can be made 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by calling 530-265-1639 or 888-339-7248. Fillable forms are available in English and Spanish (Report of Suspected Dependent Adult Elder Abuse - SOC341). For financial institution use, Form SOC 342 is available. Completed reports can be emailed or faxed to 530-470-2625. For urgent matters, use the Report Line first. APS 24-Hour Emergency Response: 530-265-1217. Regular office hours support is available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 530-265-1639. Reports and reporting parties are kept confidential. Mandated Reporters Certain groups of people are required by law to report known or suspected abuse. These mandated reporters include care custodians, health practitioners, law enforcement, paramedics, banks, and firefighters. Mandated reporter training is available, including video training and in-person sessions. As of January 1, 2022, legislation changed the age of an Elder to 60 and over and a Dependent Adult to ages 18-59. The California Department of Social Services continues to update report forms SOC 341/342. Types of Elder Abuse Identifiable forms of abuse include: abandonment, financial abuse, isolation, neglect (by self or others), physical abuse, psychological abuse (verbal abuse, threats, isolating, intimidating), and sexual assault. If abuse occurs in a licensed facility or home, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility, abuse is reported to the local Ombudsperson and investigated by their staff. Local Ombudsperson can be reached at 1-866-901-3212. If immediate danger or emergency exists, call 911.