Adult Protective Services

1. Adult Protective Services Department of Social Services: Adult Protective Services Supervisor: Esmeralda Garcia

2. Elder & Dependent Adults • Elder Adult:a person who is 65 and older • Dependent Adult:18 to 64 and has physical/mental limitations that prevent activities of daily living or inability to protect their own interests

3. Types of Abuse • Physical • Sexual • Neglect • Financial • Abandonment • Isolation • Abduction • Other treatment resulting in pain or mental suffering

4. Signs of Abuse • Physical –cuts, bruises, burns, unexplained injuries, physical restraints, evidence of sexual abuse, deprivation of food/water • Neglect by Self/Others – Inadequate food, dehydration, untreated medical conditions, misuse of medication, unsafe housing • Financial – Misuse of funds, unusual activity in bank account, checks cashed by others, suspicious changes in ownership, unpaid bills, missing belongings, sending money to strangers • Isolation – Preventing receipt of mail, phone calls, visitors, or contact with other concerned persons

5. Adult Protective Services (APS) • Social Workers provide assistance for protection of elders & dependent adults • Conduct assessments for service coordination, limited case management, & referrals to supportive services • APS Services are mandated by law • APS is a voluntary program – only legal authority is to see the client face-to-face

6. ImportantInformation • Reporting party is confidential – only disclosed to law enforcement & DA’s Office • Working with Adults • Right to Self-Determination • Cannot remove people from their homes without their consent; no emergency placements • Cannot write 5150 holds • Required by law to report any reasonable suspicion of a crime to law enforcement

7. APS Contact Numbers Phone: (805) 781-1790Fax: (805) 781-4063