Social Work Services: Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults aged 60 and over and incapacitated adults over 18 years of age and provides services when persons are found to be in need of protection.

The goal of APS is to protect a vulnerable adult's life, health, and property without a loss of liberty. When this is not possible, APS attempts to provide assistance with the least disruption of lifestyle and with full due process, protection, and restoration of the person's liberty in the shortest possible period of time. APS seeks to achieve simultaneously and in order of importance: freedom, safety, and minimal disruption of lifestyle and least-restrictive care.

What makes an APS report valid?

In order for an APS report to be valid four (4) criteria must be met. The four criteria are as follows:

1. The alleged victim adult must be at least 60 years of age, or between 18 and 59
   and incapacitated.
2. The alleged victim adult must be living and identifiable.
3. The local department receiving the report is where the adult resides.
4. The report describes an incidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

What are the types of Adult Abuse?

There are a wide variety of abusive behaviors including:

• Physical Abuse - the intentional infliction of physical pain or injury.
• Mental or Psychological Abuse - the intentional infliction of mental anguish by verbal assault, threat, intimidation, humiliation, or other means.
• Sexual Abuse - unwanted sexual activity.
• Neglect - the lack of necessary assistance to keep physically and mentally healthy.
• Self-Neglect - the failure to provide one’s self with the necessities of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, needed medical care, and reasonable financial management.
• Financial Exploitation - the illegal use of an adult’s resources or property for another individual’s profit or advantage.
  

How do I make a report?

If you suspect that adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred or is occurring (even if you are unsure about the criteria) you may make a report Mon. - Fri. between the hours of 8:30am – 5:00pm to the Suffolk Department of Social Services APS Hotline number 757-514-7458, or the State APS Hotline number 1-888-832-3858 before or after working hours, weekends and holidays. The State APS Hotline number is accessible 24 hours per day and 365 days per year.

If possible, provide the name, address and any other information about the adult whom you suspect is being abused, neglected or exploited. Reports may be made anonymously.

You may also make an APS report in person by visiting the Suffolk Department of Social Services located at 135 Hall Avenue, Suite B in Suffolk, VA 23434, or you may mail a letter to the Suffolk Department of Social Services at P.O. Box 1818 Suffolk, VA 23439.

In the case of any emergency, please dial 911.

For more information about adult abuse, neglect or exploitation and signs of adult abuse, please visit the Virginia State Department of Social Services website: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/as/aps.cgi