Contact Phone: 916-874-9377
Adult Protective Services (APS) is dedicated to ma intaining the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults who are victims of abuse or neglect. APS is a state-mandated service program charged with investigating situations involving elderly and dependent adults who are reported to be in danger due to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or hazardous or unsafe living conditions.
In addition to investigating allegations of abuse or neglect, APS social workers may assist the elderly and dependent population of Sacramento County in the following ways:
- Provide 24 hour emergency response services;
- Mobilize emergency personnel such as paramedics or law enforcement in high risk situations;
- Secure linkages and referrals for other county and community services such as public health assessment, and counseling services;
- Advocate for clients in a variety of situations, for example with landlords, doctors, hospitals, treatment programs, and other social services;
- Arrange for direct services such as meal delivery, transportation, and immediate assistance with emergency situations;
- Coordinate and consult with other providers to ensure the best possible service for the client.
Elder and dependent adult abuse may include:
- Physical Abuse: Pushing or hitting, Intentional misuse of medication, Unauthorized restraint, Causing pain or injury
- Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate exposure, Inappropriate sexual advances, Sexual exploitation, Rape
- Neglect: Deprivation of basic needs: Water, food, housing, clothing, medical care
- Self-Neglect: Unwilling or unable to care, provide for, or protect self
- Financial Abuse: Undue influence to change documents, Theft, Embezzlement, Misuse of property
- Emotional or Verbal Abuse: Threats, Threats of harm or abandonment, Isolation, Intimidation
If you are a Mandated Reporter, you MUST report suspected abuse or neglect by phone as soon as possible and follow up with a completed written report (see resource center below) within two days. Failure to report abuse of an elder or dependent adult is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than six months in the county jail or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine. Any mandated reporter who willfully fails to report abuse where the abuse results in death or great bodily injury, may be punished by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine. |