What is Adult Protective Services
Information that may assist you.
What is Adult Protective Services?
Adult Protective Services (APS) refers to the system that assists older adults in danger of elder abuse and unable to protect themselves. Administered by the County Departments of Jobs and Family Services, APS will investigate suspected instances of elder abuse and use legal and other intervention as necessary to keep older adults safe.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is active or passive neglect; psychological or financial exploitation; physical abuse or abandonment carried out with intent to cause injury or pain to a person age 60 or older. In 2002, the Ohio Adult Protective Services (APS) system handled more than 13,000 reports of elder abuse. More than half were substantiated and required services.
What type of abuse is most common?
Three fifths of cases involve self-neglect, or the failure of the older adult to provide for himself the goods and services necessary to avoid physical or mental harm. The remaining cases reflect maltreatment by a perpetrator, usually a family member. Family members or caregivers may inflict neglect through a failure to offer needed goods and services or through direct exploitation of an older adult by unlawful or improper acts using an older adult or their resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain. Older adults may also suffer from physical abuse or threats of physical abuse.
How does Ohio address instances of elder abuse?
Individuals who believe that an older adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation may report such information to the County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Some professionals, including home health care workers, physicians, nurses, nursing home staff, mental health facility staff, and in-home service providers, are mandated to report suspected cases of elder abuse to the local County Department of Jobs and Family Services. APS staff will then begin an investigation of the report and intervene to protect the health and safety of the older adult as necessary.
What types of services are available to victims of elder abuse?
APS workers assist older adults in accessing necessary services, including legal assistance, mental health and medical care needs, as well as food, clothing, and shelter.
How does Ohio fund APS?
The state budget provides approximately $2.8 million divided amongst the 88 counties for APS. Many counties are forced to rely on other resources to supplement the state allocation to meet the needs of elder abuse victims. Most counties, however, lack sufficient funds for mandated investigations and arranging for needed services.
Can Ohio rely on other funding sources to support APS?
APS is currently funded through a number of sources leading to a considerable diversity in the funding and quality of the system from county to county. Many counties use federal Title XX Social Services funds that are already stretched too thin and continue to be cut. Only three counties use senior services property tax levy dollars for APS. Local levies often generate limited funds for basic services like meals.