Adult Protective Services:

• Adult protective services (APS) is a social services program provided by state and/or local governments nationwide serving older adults and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers investigate cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers. (napsa-now.org)

• Every state has their own distinct APS system and programs vary from state to state in respect to populations served, services provided and the scope of the program

Mandatory Reporting guidelines for vulnerable adults (WA State):

• A mandatory reporter must by law make a report if they have a reason to believe abuse, abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult has occurred

• A “vulnerable adult” means a person 18 years of age or older who, because of incapacity, mental illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, fraud, confinement, or disappearance, is unable to meet the person’s own needs or to seek out help without assistance (RCW 74.34.020(10))