Adult protective services law

APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities and who live in the community. Any adult who has a disability or who is age 65 or older that is in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation may be eligible to receive adult protective services. Victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation may get short-term help with shelter, home repairs, food, transportation, managing money, medical care, home healthcare services, and mental health services. Abuse may cause various injuries such as scratches, cuts, bruises, burns, broken bones, or bedsores. It can also result in confinement, rape or sexual misconduct, and verbal or psychological abuse. Neglect may cause starvation, dehydration, over- or under-medication, unsanitary living conditions, lack of personal hygiene.

The APS Law establishes a program of protective services in order to detect, prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of these adults in need. A report can be made on behalf of the adult whether they live in their home or in a care facility such as a nursing facility, group home, hospital, etc. Reporters can remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution. The statewide Protective Services Hotline is available 24 hours a day. View annual reports to explore data on reporting, regulations, victims, and perpetrators. Increase access to health care. Develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Pennsylvania's business community.

Most seniors and adults with disabilities live independently without assistance, however, some face abuse or neglect by others and need trained professionals to advocate on their behalf. Others may simply be struggling with routine activities and benefit from in-home support services to maintain their health and independence. In most states in the US, certain individuals are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults to adult protective services. Other states require all citizens to report their concerns. Mandated reporters can locate the nearest APS office here.

In the United States , Adult Protective Services APS are social services provided to abused, neglected, or exploited older adults and adults with significant disabilities. 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. 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. While some states provide adult protective services to older adults only, as in Ohio where the APS law applies to those 60 and older, [ citation needed ] most serve adults with disabilities over the age of 18 who meet the state's definition of "vulnerable.