Adult Protection Services
Adult Protective Services is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation against vulnerable, disabled adults, and senior populations.
A vulnerable adult means a person 18 years of age or older who is unable to protect themself from abuse, neglect or exploitation due to physical or mental impairment which affects the person's judgment or behavior to the extent that they lack sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate or implement decisions regarding their funds, property or resources.
Competent adults retain the right to refuse services and an adult is presumed competent unless deemed otherwise by a court of law. APS works with agencies within the community to help eliminate or reduce the risk in an effort to protect the vulnerable population.
Elder Abuse, Neglect, And Exploitation
Elder abuse is not acceptable. It is a complex problem which many communities are just now coming to grips with. Experts agree that for every report of abuse to authorities as many as 14 cases go unreported.
Elder abuse can happen in any setting and to anyone regardless of sex, ethnicity, religious affiliation or income level.
- Nearly 5 million cases of elder abuse occur each year, but 85% go unreported.
- Abused elders have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those not mistreated.
- Family, friends, caregivers and neighbors are the culprits in financial abuse cases more than half the time.
- By 2030, the numbers of older Americans over age 85 – those most at risk for abuse – will more than double.
Effective interventions can help prevent or stop abuse of vulnerable adults. If you have knowledge of a vulnerable adult being abused, neglected or exploited call your local law enforcement agency or an Area Agency on Aging office.
The Idaho Commission on Aging provides this secure online system for mandated reporters and financial institutions to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults age 18 years and older. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
APS Online Reporting for Mandated Reporters and Financial Institutions
Resources:
- National Adult Protective Services Association: http://www.napsa-now.org/
- Idaho Statutes Title 39, Chapter 53: Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Act
- 5 Things Everyone Can Do
- 12 Things Everyone Can Do
- Red Flags of Abuse
- Signs of Elder Abuse
- The Facts About Elder Abuse
- The Facts of Elder Abuse
