Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-mandated program that helps keep older adults (ages 60+) and other adults with disabilities (ages 18-59) safe. APS social workers respond to reports of abuse and neglect, check on a person’s safety, provide short-term case management, and help connect them to services and support.
How to Report Abuse or Neglect
If you are concerned about possible abuse or neglect:
- Report online: ReporttoAPS.org
- Call the 24-hour hotline: 805-654-3200
Reports are confidential. An online report satisfies the State requirement for mandated reporters. If you are not a mandated reporter, you may report anonymously.
In Case of Emergency, call 911.
Types of Abuse
APS helps to coordinate services, including available emergency resources within the community, to improve the safety and increase protection of adults who may be experiencing or are at risk of:
- Physical injury
- Sexual abuse
- Poor nutrition
- Dehydration
- Untreated medical conditions
- Misuse of medicines
- Abandonment or general neglect
Abuse is not always easy to see. It may happen slowly over time. It could happen suddenly with an attack by a trusted friend, family member or caregiver.
Emotional abuse may be carried out through threats that cause fear, anxiety or depression. Isolation may take the form of denying phone calls, visitors, or mail. Financial abuse often involves misused funds, missing possessions or account charges or real estate transactions that are unauthorized.
Or, help may be needed for adults who are unable to care for themselves and face self-neglect due to memory loss or other cognitive changes.
Who Should Report
Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect can and should report it.
Some people are mandated reporters by law, and must report suspected abuse right away. This includes:
- Anyone who has full or part-time custody or care of an older adult or dependent adult.
- Professionals that include social workers, members of the clergy, health care practitioners, advocacy groups, fire department personnel and staff at financial institutions.
Reporting Options
- Report online at ReporttoAPS.org (whether a mandated reporter or not).
- Financial Institutions can report online at ReporttoAPS.org or use SOC Form 342.
- If online reporting cannot be done, reports may be emailed to HSA-APS-Referrals@VenturaCounty.gov or faxed to 805-650-1521.
Forms & Documents
APS Beware of Scams Video
Useful Links
- Federal Trade Commission
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Eldercare Locator
- Guide to Long Term Care in California
- Identity Theft Hotline
- National Center on Elder Abuse
- Medicare – Other Long Term Care Choices
- Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
- Ombudsman of Ventura County
- Report a Complaint/Concern on Licensed Care Facilities
- Financial Protection Guide for Seniors, Senior Scam Alert (español)
- APS Data
The Adult Protective Services Tool for Risk, Intervention & Outcomes (APS-TRIO) was designed and developed in Ventura County by social workers for social workers based on practice and principles. It is a risk assessment instrument, researched and validated by the University of California at San Diego, which standardizes the approach to assessing risk, correlates the assessment with interventions and measures outcomes in the area of health, safety, and elimination or reduction of harm.
The TRIO supports the work of the social worker and incorporates, but does not supplant, social worker judgment, experience, training and supervision. It guides the social worker through the process of investigation and assessment, and documents the work that is conducted on behalf of the client.
For further information, view the APS-TRIO presentation document.
