Adult Protective Services (APS)
Each California County has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (60 years and older) and
dependent adults (18-59 who are disabled), when these adults are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of
abuse, neglect or exploitation. County APS agencies investigate reports of abuse of elders and dependent adults
who live in private homes, apartments, hotels, hospitals, or who are, or soon will be, experiencing homelessness.
To report abuse, call this number 1-833-401-0832 and when prompted enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
APS staff also provides information and referral to other agencies and educates the public about reporting requirements
and responsibilities under the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting laws.
Cross reporting APS agencies, law enforcement agencies and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO)
have the responsibility to cross-report allegations of abuse with
consent from the
victim or the victim’s representative
to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, public
agencies, and licensing entities having jurisdiction over these cases. These agencies include:
- The California Department of Health Services (DHCS), Licensing & Certification, handles cases of alleged abuse
by a member of a hospital or health clinic. County APS staff evaluates abuse cases and arranges for services
such as advocacy, counseling, money management, out-of-home placement, or conservatorship.
- The OSLTCO, which is administered by the California Department of Aging (CDA) has jurisdiction for
investigating reports of abuse that occur in nursing homes, residential care facilities for the elderly,
adult residential facilities, intermediate care facilities, adult day health care facilities, and adult day
programs.
With consent from the resident or the resident’s
representative Long-Term Care
Ombudsman representative’s investigations are completed by certified staff and volunteers at the local Long-Term
Care Ombudsman Programs (LTCOP).
- The California Department of State Hospitals has jurisdiction for investigating reports of alleged abuse at
California State Mental Hospitals.
- The California Department of Developmental Services (CDDS) has jurisdiction to investigate reports of alleged
abuse that occur at State Developmental Centers.
For whom:
These services are available free to any elder or dependent adult regardless of income.
Highlights:
- Services are available to any person, regardless of income.
- Services are available in all 58 counties.