Reports of Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation
Professional staff are in place to accept and handle reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults or elder persons who are not residents of nursing homes or personal care homes.
REPORT ABUSE OF DISABLED ADULTS OR ELDER PERSONS
- Submit a fax referral: 770-408-3001
- Fax Referral Form [MS Word Version] [PDF Version]
- Toll-Free: (1-888) 774-0152
- Within Metro Atlanta local calling area: (404) 657-5250
Every day, older adults and adults with disabilities are suffering from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable.
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Aging Services, Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates all reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of disabled adults (18-64) or elder persons (65+) who do not reside in long-term care facilities (community living arrangements, personal care homes, intermediate care or skilled nursing facilities,) pursuant to the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 30-5-1, et seq.
The APS Program receives reports of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation through its Central Intake Unit. Seasoned APS field staff handles calls through a statewide toll-free number to determine if the referrals meet the criteria for APS to investigate a case. If the criteria are not met, referrals are made to community resources including those in the aging network.
Elder abuse is an under-recognized, undetected and underreported problem with devastating and life-threatening consequences.
REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT AND EXPLOITATION
In an emergency situation (when immediate help is needed), please call 911.
All reports of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation should be directed to Adult Protective Services Central Intake,
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Toll-Free: (1-888) 774-0152
- Within Metro Atlanta local calling area: (404) 657-5250
- Submit a fax referral: 770-408-3001
- Fax Referral Form [MS Word Version] [PDF Version]
MANDATED REPORTERS
For persons living in the community, Georgia law requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation by any of the professionals listed below. All other persons are encouraged to report suspected abuse to protective.
Mandated reporters include: medical personnel including physicians, interns, residents and others; osteopaths; dentists; psychologists; chiropractors; podiatrists; pharmacists; physical therapists; occupational therapists; licensed professionals and counselors; nursing personnel; social work personnel; day care personnel; coroner; medical examiner; employees of a public or private agency engaged in professional health-related services to elder persons or disabled adults; employees of a financial institution, and law enforcement personnel.
Failure for a mandated reporter to report abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of a disabled adult or elder person is punishable by a criminal misdemeanor.
Persons who report in good faith are immune from liability. The state law provides parameters for confidentiality of adult protective services records.
INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE/LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES REPORT TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (DCH)
If a disabled or elder person resides in a long-term care facility (i.e. community living arrangements, personal care homes, intermediate care or skilled nursing homes), reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of residents of long-term care facilities should be made to the Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation.
TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE
- Physical abuse;
- Mental, emotional, or verbal abuse;
- Sexual abuse;
- Neglect;
- Self Neglect; and
- Financial Exploitation.
RELATED LINKS
National Adult Protective Services Association
National Center on Elder Abuse
National Committee on the Prevention of Elder Abuse
INTERNAL LINK
Elder Abuse & Prevention
Elder Abuse & Prevention