Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) provides services to older adults who are in danger of being mistreated and/or are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. APS will investigate and assess the report of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and will link the older adult to appropriate agencies for services. APS also provides case planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Every action taken by APS must balance the duty to protect the safety of the vulnerable adult with the adult’s right to self-determination. Older people and people with disabilities who are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation should be treated with honesty, care and respect.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult over the age of 60. There are several types of elder abuse, click below to see all:

Elder Abuse

  • Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
  • Neglect and self-neglect
  • Abandonment
  • Financial and material exploitation

 

Elder abuse is often committed by a family member or caregiver, but there are some cases where the offender is a stranger.

Who is Eligible for APS?

In Ohio, APS cases can be investigated and assessed if the meets the requirements below:

Eligibility for APS Referral

  • Is age 60 or older
  • Is impaired by aging or has a physical and/or mental impairment that prevents self-care
  • Lives in the community (not in a licensed care facility, nursing home, or assisted living)
  • Has an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation as defined by ORC 5101.60

 

Signs of Elder Abuse

There are some warning signs family members and friends of older residents can watch out for:

Elder Abuse Warning Signs

  • Unusual changes in sleep and behavior
  • Withdrawal from activities
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns and/or scars
  • Changes in their appearance
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Recent changes in banking and/or spending patterns 

How to Report Elder Abuse

Sadly, elder abuse cases are extremely underreported because they fear retaliation by the offender, are ashamed/embarrassed, or are concerned about being placed in an assisted living center. It’s important for older adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation to know that they are the victim and it’s not their fault.

Ways to submit an APS Referral

 

If you would like more information about Adult Protective Services, and what responsibilities and tools your agency has in reporting suspected abuse, you may request an APS speaker to visit your organization.

APS is administered by the Franklin County Office on Aging with funding provided by the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services.

Why a Referral may be Screened Out

Each referral, assessment, investigation, and related record is confidential under section 5101.63 of the Ohio Revised Code. APS can only inform a referent whether a referral has been “screened in” or “screened out”; the reasons behind a screening decision cannot be shared, as they are considered part of the confidential case record.

Common reasons a referral may be screened out include:

  • Adult is under age 60
  • Adult refuses APS intervention and has the capacity to make that decision
  • Concerns are already being addressed by other parties
  • There is a current open APS case for the adult
  • Allegations were recently investigated in another APS case
  • The referral was directed to another agency because APS was not appropriate
  • There is not enough information to locate the adult
  • The adult does not meet the criteria for being at-risk
  • Reported concerns do not indicate current maltreatment

Confidential Referral Information

Ohio Administrative Code Rule 5101:2-20-05 instructs APS to release case information, excluding the identity of the referent or any person providing information during the course of an assessment/investigation to the following only:

Who Can Request APS Report Information

  • The adult who is the subject of the report and/or legal counsel for the adult.
  • The court, for the purpose of issuing any of the following:
  • An ex parte order.
  • A restraining order due to the obstruction of an investigation.
  • A protective services order or emergency protective services order.
  • A guardianship order.
  • Law enforcement when investigating a criminal case.
  • The coroner, to assist in the evaluation of an adult's death due to alleged abuse and/or neglect.

 

Exploitation Resources

(PDF, 1MB)

Financial Exploitation Resources

 

 

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