Adult Protective Services

Adult protective services help elder adults and adults at risk who have been abused, neglected, or financially exploited.

If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation, call your county APS helpline.

Learn how to report alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation

What is adult protective services?

Adult protective services (APS) is a social services program that seeks to promote the safety, independence, and quality of life of adults with disabilities and older adults who are at risk of harm due to concerns of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

All adults have the right to self-determination and personal freedom. APS advocates to ensure that adults with disabilities and older adults maintain that right while also providing protection and services to those adults who may not be able to make decisions due to a permanent impairment.

Every county in Wisconsin has an APS unit that receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. APS works with many other professionals and systems of care to link adults and elder adults at risk with supportive services, placement, or court-ordered protection to keep them safe in their preferred community as long as possible.

What are the definitions of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation?

APS responds to concerns related to abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults with disabilities and older adults. The categories of abuse include:

Close up of an older adult with a black eye

Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse

Physical abuse is an intentional act that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment. Emotional abuse occurs when a person is yelled at, threatened, or belittled. While it doesn't leave physical marks, it can be devastating to someone's well-being. Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

Close-up of a hospital patient's hand with an IV

Treatment without consent

Treatment without consent is the provision of medical care to an individual without their explicit agreement or understanding. This can occur when the individual is not given sufficient information about the treatment or condition to make an informed decision, when their refusal is ignored, or when they are unable to give consent.

Back of a sad adult sitting on a bed looking out a window

Unreasonable confinement or restraint

Unreasonable confinement or restraint refers to the use of physical, chemical, or psychological methods to restrict an individual's freedom of movement or ability to make decisions about their care without a legitimate medical or safety reason.

Neglect

Neglect includes the refusal or failure to provide a person with life necessities, such as food, water, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, physical or mental health care, comfort, personal safety, services, or adequate supervision.

Counter and sink stacked full of dirty dishes

Self-neglect

Self-neglect occurs when the individual at risk fails to take care of their own basic needs and personal care, which results in significant danger to the person's physical or mental health.

Older adult hands holding an open empty wallet

Financial exploitation

Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of funds, assets, or property of an individual, for example, stealing money or possessions, forging a person's signature, or coercing an individual into signing any legal document.

What are some warning signs of abuse?

Have you seen concerning changes in behaviors or unusual symptoms with an adult with disabilities or older adult? We can all do our part to ensure our communities are a safe place for all. Here are some warning signs that an older adult or an adult with a disability might be experiencing abuse or is at risk for abuse.

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food and water, or clean clothing
Lack of medical aids (for example, glasses, walker, teeth, or hearing aids)
Sunken eyes or unexplained weight loss
Dismissive attitude or statements about injuries

Unreasonable fear or suspiciousness
Lack of interest in social contacts
Unexplained changes in behavior
Unpaid bills, despite adequate financial resources
Large withdrawals from the bank or unusual ATM activity
Isolation from family or friends

Please note: This list of warning signs is not exhaustive. There are many potential indicators of abuse. If you aren't sure about the situation but have a feeling something is wrong, call your county APS helpline. APS professionals are trained to assess each situation and offer services and support to promote safety.

Who can receive APS services?

APS involvement is limited to adults with disabilities and older adults who are at risk of suffering from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Adults referred must meet statutory guidelines for intervention, including:

Adults ages 18–59 who have a physical or behavioral health condition that substantially impairs their ability to care for their own needs.
Adults who are 60 years of age or older.
Adults who live in the community, including in long-term care facilities.

For more help

Get more information on resources for abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elder adults and adults at risk.