Adult Protective Services

The Division of Aging and Adult Services administers Adult Protective Services (APS). Anyone aged 18 to 64 who, because of their mental or physical disability is unable to effectively protect themselves against abuse or neglect, or anyone age of 65 or older, who is suspected of being abused or neglected, is eligible for APS without regard to income. If you suspect that an elderly or dependent adult is being abused or neglected, call Marin County Adult Protective Services, 24 hours/day, at 473-2774. All calls are handled confidentially. If a request for APS is considered inappropriate, or if the victim refuses services, the intake social worker can provide consultation, information and referral to the caller. APS must keep confidential the name of the person who reported the suspicions.

APS social workers investigate and seek to correct situations of abuse and neglect. The social worker will offer the older or dependent adult a plan of services, using the least restrictive method of intervention. With the goal of enabling the person to live as safely and independently as possible, the APS social worker will coordinate services with available family, supportive friends and community resources.

If you suspect abuse in a long-term care facility, contact the Marin County Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 473-7446.

Who are mandated reporters?
Everyone should report all observed, known or suspected incidents of adult abuse, but the following individuals are required by law (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15630) to report:

"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 a private facility that provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner…or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter."

"Any mandated reporter who, in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment, has observed or has knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or is told by an elder or dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior constituting physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or reasonably suspects abuse shall report the known or suspected instance of abuse by telephone immediately or as soon as possible, and by written report sent within two working days."

Mandated reporters must report any incident of alleged or suspected abuse, or a reasonable suspicion of abuse, which comes to their attention. As a mandated reporter, they are required to give their name. If they report something they learn about outside of work they could report it anonymously. All reports should be made immediately, or as soon as practically possible by telephone. The written report should be sent by mail or fax (415) 473-6465 within 2 working days of learning of the incident. Report forms are available upon request, telephone (415) 473-2774 or download from Adult/Elder Abuse Report Form.