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Adult Protective Services: Additional Information and Resources on Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Adults at Risk

To report abuse of an adult at risk
(age 18 to 59)
call your county helpline.

To report abuse in a nursing home
or other long-term care facility,
contact the Division of Quality Assurance.

To report abuse of an elder adult at risk
(age 60 plus)
call your county helpline or the Elder Abuse Hotline at 833-586-0107.

To report abuse outside of Wisconsin,
contact the National Adult Protective Services Association.

 

Wisconsin guardianship support center

Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center. The center answers questions about the law in Wisconsin relating to:

  • Guardianships.
  • Protective placements.
  • Conservatorships.
  • Powers of Attorney for Health Care.
  • Living wills.
  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.
  • Powers of Attorney for Finances.

Wisconsin information and partners

Disability Rights Wisconsin—This organization works to end abuse, neglect, and denial of the legal rights of people with disabilities.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman—The ombudsman responds to complaints and problems of people age 60 and older who live in or receive long-term care. That includes those in nursing homes and community-based residential facilities. It also includes people who receive services from managed long-term care programs.

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence—The coalition helps identify vulnerable adult victims of domestic violence.

Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault—The coalition supports Wisconsin’s community-based sexual assault service provider programs and other organizations working to end sexual violence.

Wisconsin State Law Library Elder Law Center—The center offers legal information and help to Wisconsin senior citizens and to people who work with the elderly.

National information and partners

Sexual Violence in Later Life Information Packet—The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has created a series of resources related to sexual violence in later life. The packet includes a fact sheet, technical assistance bulletin, technical assistance guide, resource list, annotated bibliography, research brief, and an online collection.

Results of Surveys on Vulnerability to Financial Exploitation

National Adult Protective Services Association—The association serves state adult protective services professionals. It provides a forum for sharing information, solving problems, and improving the quality of services for adults at risk.

Administration for Community Living: Elder Abuse Prevention—The administration supports state and local adult protective services programs, helps inform professionals and the public, and works to find ways to prevent elder abuse.

ADvancing States Aging and Disability Rights Resources—The group aims to design, improve, and sustain state systems delivering long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Elder Abuse—This site provides information on elder abuse as well as prevention strategies and other resources.

American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging—The commission includes experts in aging and law, from lawyers and judges to health and social services professionals, academics, and advocates. They work on a wide range of law related to issues that affect the aging population.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence—This site is a national information and referral center for the public, the media, and victims of abuse.

National Center on Elder Abuse—The center is directed by the U.S. Administration on Aging. It aims to help national, state, and local partners. The goal is for each of them to ensure that older Americans live with dignity, integrity, and independence, and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

National Organization for Victim Assistance—This organization advocates for victims by connecting them with services and resources.

Office of Justice Programs: Elder Abuse—This site is from the U.S. Department of Justice. It links to more sites and helpful information.

National Center for Victims of Crime—The center works to make sure all crime victims get the help they need.

Summary information about changes to Wisconsin laws

Landmark Reforms Signed into Law: Guardianship and Adult Protective Services—Abramson and Raymond; published by Wisconsin Lawyer, August 2006.

Last revised October 17, 2022