MANDATED REPORTERS OF ELDER AND DEPENDENT ADULT ABUSE Everyone should report all observed, known, or suspected adult abuse, but the law (California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15630) requires some individuals to report. Mandated Reporters are by law any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, clergy member, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or a local law enforcement agency. Mandated Reporters can make a report on-line at www.ReportToAPS.org. Mandated reporters include, but are not limited to: √ Health care practitioners and their office staff √ Members of the clergy (excludes penitential communication information) √ Adult personal care providers
√ Adult and Child Protective Services staff √ Law enforcement officers
√ Officers & employees of financial institutions √ Medical examiners
√ Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for the care of an elder or dependent adult
MAKING AN APS REFERRAL
If you are a mandated reporter, or if you are a victim of abuse, or suspect anyone you know may be a victim of abuse, call:
(510) 577-3500 or 1-866-225-5277
Fax: (510) 577-5615 24 hours/day, 7 days/week OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS LTC Ombudsman (Facility Abuse) (510) 638-6878
Department of Adult and Aging Services Division of Aging and Adult Protection
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Public Guardian-Conservator (510) 577-1900 In-Home Supportive Services (510) 577-1900 District Attorney Victim-Witness Division (510) 272-6180 Senior Information & Assistance 800-510-2020 Medicare 800-952-8627 Medi-Cal Intake (510) 777-2300 Social Security Administration 800-772-1213 Legal Assistance for Seniors (510) 832-3040 Court Investigator’s Office (if a conservatorship exists in Alameda County) (510) 636-8820
Adult Protective Services Intake (510) 577-3500 or 1-866-CALL-APS Fax: (510) 577-5615 www.alamedasocialservices.org
ABOUT ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of abuse of Alameda County residents 65 years of age or older (elderly) or 18-64 years of age and who, for mental or physical reasons, cannot protect their rights or carry out normal activities (dependent adults).
TYPES OF ADULT ABUSE • Abduction—non-consensual removal from State • • • •
Reports may be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, mail and fax.
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Anyone who suspects elder or dependent adult abuse should call APS at the number below. Reports are strictly confidential.
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APS services are provided without regard for income, and acceptance of service is voluntary. APS Workers investigate reports to determine whether abuse has occurred, and take action to reduce risk that will allow the client to continue living safely in the community. A service plan is developed for each case in cooperation with the client to establish goals and list tasks to meet those goals. Referrals are made to community agencies based on assessed needs. Whenever possible, APS seeks to maintain the elder or dependent adult safely in his or her normal environment by strengthening his or her capacity for selfmaintenance. If suspected abuse occurred in a licensed care facility, the LTC Ombudsman should be contacted at (510) 638-6878. Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services Division of Aging and Adult Protection
of California Desertion—willful abandonment Financial—taking money or assets for wrongful use Isolation—prevention of social contact Mental Suffering—fear, depression brought on by threats, harassment, or deceptive acts Neglect—failure to provide needed care Physical—slapping, hitting, beating, excessive restraint Self-Neglect—inability to provide for own needs Sexual—non-consensual sexual activity
Adult Protective Services (510) 577-3500 or 1-866-CALL-APS Fax: (510) 577-5615 24 hours/day, 7 days/week The identity of the individual who reported the abuse to law enforcement is to be kept confidential, even from the victim, unless the reporting party waives confidentiality. W&I Code 15633
SIGNS OF ABUSE Many indicators may signal a need for help. Indicators do not necessarily signify abuse or neglect, but since they can be clues, a referral should be made so that an APS worker can examine the situation. Signs of abuse include: • Person uncared for, unkempt appearance, dirty, bruises or sores • Troubling behaviors such as agitation, bizarre behavior, withdrawal • Fearful • Home seems dangerous or dirty • Person hasn't been eating recently • Person unable to make meals, shop, or get around • Unusual activity in a bank account • Person squandering or giving away money • Person has unpaid bills or overdue rent • Caregiver complaining of being exhausted or overwhelmed • Caregiver isolating the elder or dependent adult by restricting visits or phone calls