Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults.

Which organization investigates reports of elder abuse?

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

How do I report elder abuse in Arizona?

Adult Protective Services – How the system works Someone suspects that an elderly person is a victim of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation. Person calls the APS Hotline at (877) 767-2385 to report alleged maltreatment.

Does Arizona have elder abuse laws?

Arizona’s elder abuse law applies to “vulnerable adults.” A vulnerable adult means an individual who is 18 years of age or older and who is unable to protect himself from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others because of mental impairment or physical impairment (for example, an incapacitated adult).

Which two government agencies are responsible for following up on elder abuse?

The Administration on Aging (AoA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) works to protect individuals from elder abuse by providing grants for elder abuse awareness and prevention activities to state Adult Protective Services (APS) agencies.

What states have mandatory reporting for elder abuse?

Some states, including Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming go further and require any person who knows of elder abuse to make a report.

What is the APS program?

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a social services program provided by state and local governments serving older adults and adults with disabilities who need assistance because of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation (adult maltreatment).

What do you do for elderly abuse?

Call 1800 628 221. Any- one can make the call. “We all have the right to live free from abuse of any kind. Our age or circumstances should have no bearing or effect on this basic right.”

What happens if APS is called?

Once a report is assessed by APS, an investigator (typically a social worker) begins working on the “case.” The investigator completes face-to-face visits, collects collateral information from those involved and gathers medical or financial records and documents these activities.

When Should APS be called?

Information For Mandated Reporters Mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse or neglect by phone as soon as possible and follow up with a completed written report (see link below for form) within two days.

Is elder abuse a felony?

Elder abuse can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on where the crime is committed and how serious it is. An example of misdemeanor elder abuse may be reckless neglect, while an example of felony elder abuse might be violence against an older adult at a nursing home.

How do you fight false APS reports?

If you have been falsely accused, you can take legal action against her. One is for filing a false official report and the other is for libel / slander. Speak with a Litigation Attorney licensed to practice in California (see Avvo.com to locate one) and sort out the best way for you moving forward.

What qualifies for elder abuse?

Elder abuse can be defined as ‘ a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person’.

Who is covered under the Elder Justice Act?

The EJA applies to seniors aged 60 or older and is the first piece of comprehensive national legislation to address elder abuse. One of its objectives is to coordinate responses to elder abuse across federal and state agencies and to support efforts to detect and prevent elder abuse.

What federal legislation defines abuse of older adults and persons with disabilities?

Passed in 2010, the Elder Justice Act is the first comprehensive legislation to address the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults at the federal level.

What is the root cause of elder abuse?

Many factors in elder abuse arise through individual, relationship, community and societal influences. Elder abuse can be attributed to both the victim’s and the abuser’s social and biomedical characteristics, the nature of their relationship, and power dynamics, within their shared environment of family and friends.