Adult Protective Services

In the United States, Adult Protective Services (APS) are social services provided to abused, neglected, or exploited older adults and adults with significant disabilities.[1] APS is typically administered by local or state health, aging, or regulatory departments and includes a multidisciplinary approach to helping older adults, and younger adults with disabilities, who are victims.[1] Services range from the initial investigation of mistreatment, to health and supportive services and legal interventions, up to and including the appointment of surrogate decision-makers such as legal guardians.[1]

While some states provide adult protective services to older adults only, as in Ohio where the APS law applies to those 60 and older,[2] most serve adults with disabilities over the age of 18 who meet the state's definition of "vulnerable".[3] Disabilities may be due to aging, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness or cognitive impairments.[3]

Forms of abuse include physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse as well as financial exploitation.[3] "Neglect" can be perpetrated by any caregiver who has accepted the responsibility of assisting an older person or an adult with disabilities.[3]

Most states include self-neglect in their definitions of those needing adult protective services.[3] Self-neglect refers to a person who is unable to care for themselves due to physical or cognitive impairments.[3]