Adult Services Department

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports on elder adults (60 years and older) and adults living with a disability (ages 18 to 59 with physical or mental limitations) when these adults are unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Services & Support

Adult Protective Services provides services with the goal to create a safe environment where the individual can safely function without requiring additional intervention from the APS program. Every APS case starts with an initial suspected abuse report. Once a report is received, an APS Social Worker may:

Initiate a personal visit to interview the adult within 24 hours to 10 days and determine if there is risk to the individual and the capacity of that individual to make their own decisions
Interview collateral contacts
Discuss with the individual what actions are needed to prevent further risk and/or harm
With the adult's consent, assist in locating available local resources which are necessary to maintain physical or mental health, i.e.:
- Legal services
- Medical care
- Appropriate living arrangements
- Food
- Clothing
- Adequate shelter
- Protection from maltreatment
- Transportation
- Assistance with personal hygiene
Provide advocacy to assure protection of personal rights and confidentiality

The APS program is not intended to interfere with the lifestyle choices of elders or dependent adults. An elder who has been abused may refuse or withdraw consent at any time for services offered by APS. An exception to this policy can occur when an elder is mentally incapacitated by significant cognitive impairments and/or is being subjected to undue influence by another person.

Completed reports can be emailed or faxed to 530-470-2625.

If your report is of an urgent matter, please use the Report Line first.
APS 24-Hr. Emergency Response: 530-265-1217

Email Adult Services. If the report is of an urgent matter, it is best to call 530-265-1639 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reports and the reporting parties are kept confidential.
Staff is available to take reports, answer questions or refer you to other community agencies.

Who Must Make a Report to Adult Protective Services?

Abuse reporting laws now require certain groups of people to report known or suspected abuse. These people are called Mandated Reporters. These are generally individuals who are involved with elders and dependent adults. This includes care custodians, health practitioners, law enforcement, paramedics, banks and fire fighters. Reporters must file an abuse report when they observe or suspect abuse.

Mandated Reporter Training

This video training will provide mandated reporters with the foundational information about their mandated reporting requirements. For in-person training, please contact our office. As of January 1, 2022, legislation has been enacted that changes the age of an Elder to age 60 and over and a Dependent Adult to ages 18-59. The California Department of Social Services will be updating the Elder and Dependent Adult abuse report forms SOC 341/342. Please continue to use the same forms; this website will be updated as soon as new forms are available.

What is Elder Abuse

Identifying Abuse

Abandonment
Financial abuse
Isolation
Neglect; by self or others
Physical abuse
Psychological abuse (verbal abuse, threats, isolating, intimidating)
Sexual assault

If abuse occurs in a licensed facility or home, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility, abuse is reported to the local Ombudsperson and investigated by their staff. Local Ombudsperson can be reached at 1-866-901-3212. If you decide there is immediate danger or an emergency call 911!