Reporting Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation to Adult Protective Services (Virginia)

Are you concerned that an older adult may be experiencing abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), or exploitation? The Adult Protective Services (APS) Department of the Virginia Department of Social Services is available to help.

APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older. If protective services are needed and accepted by the individual, local Adult Protective Services social workers may arrange for a wide variety of health, housing, social and legal services to stop the mistreatment or prevent further mistreatment. Services offered may include home-based care, transportation, adult day services, adult foster care, nutrition services and legal intervention in order to protect the adult. Services may also be arranged for individuals in emergency situations who lack the capacity to consent to services.

How to Recognize Signs of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

This flyer from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services lists signs that could indicate abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

When it is Appropriate to Report to Adult Protective Services

Anyone who suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation should report the suspicion to Adult Protective Services. You do not have to investigate it - just suspect it!
If the person is in immediate danger or is causing danger to others, call 911.

Why it is Important to Report to Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services can help people at risk to obtain resources that will help them
Even if APS determines that the person is not sufficiently at risk to warrant current action by them, your concern will be noted in the record and can help establish a pattern of risk that could lead to future action and assistance.
Certain people, based on their occupation, are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. At this link is a list of occupations that are mandated reporters.

How to Contact Adult Protective Services

To report to APS in Virginia, either:

Contact the local department of Adult Protective Services in the city or county where the adult resides or in which the abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred
- Albemarle County: (434) 972-4010
- Charlottesville City: (434) 970-3400
- Staunton: (540) 245-5800
- Augusta County: (540) 942-6646
- Harrisonburg / Rockingham County: (540) 574-5100
Or, call the Virginia APS 24 hour hotline at 1-888-832-3858

How Care is There can Help

If you are worried about an elderly friend, neighbor, or client, Care is There can help. We work closely with Adult Protective Services to coordinate and provide services for older adults and their long distance caregivers.

Next Steps

Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!

Charlottesville Area: 434.326.5323
Shenandoah Valley: 540. 246.0211
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com