Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state mandated program provided without regard to income to assist vulnerable adults in our community. Services are aimed at maintaining individuals in the community as long as possible.
APS clients are among the most vulnerable and neglected members of the community: the frail elderly, the mentally ill, persons that are developmentally challenged, those suffering acute and chronic physical illness, dementia or other conditions associated with aging and mental or physical handicaps. Persons are eligible for APS as long as they meet the following criteria:
- are 18 or older and have a physical or mental impairment;
- are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or other harm;
- have no one available who is willing and able to assist responsibly.
Our Guiding Principles
- Right to Self-Determination: A competent adult has the right to exercise free choice in decision making. Without clear evidence of risk, APS must refrain from imposing their own or societal values and standards. If a person is capable of understanding the risk and consequences of their choices or behavior then APS will respect their right to self-determination and will work with that individual to develop a mutually agreed upon plan for services to reduce the risks.
- States Authority to Intervene: When there is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of an adult and the adult is incapable of making choices regarding the danger because of a temporary or permanent impairment, APS is obligated to secure service to ensure that person’s safety.
- Least Restrictive Alternative: Interventions are limited to specific actions required to address specific dangers. While efforts are made to provide needed services in the adult’s own home, alternate living arrangements may be considered.
Our Service Delivery
APS is required to act on referrals that may be life threatening within 24 hours of the receipt of the information. For other referrals, assessment is begun within 72 hours and a home visit is made within the first three working days. Some referrals are closed during intake if the eligibility requirements are not met and services are not needed. An assessment and service plan must be developed within 60 days of the referral. APS assesses the risks facing a client, his or her ability to deal with the situation and their willingness to accept assistance. APS tries to establish a trusting relationship with the client so that services may be provided on a voluntary basis and they usually are. Efforts are made to contact family, friends, neighbors and other community based services in order to determine the client’s capacity to function independently, make decisions on his or her own behalf and to understand the consequences of those decisions. In most situations APS involvement is short term.
Some of the services we provide include:
Services provided (directly, by contract or through referral) may range from safety monitoring, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, linkages with other service providers (health, mental health, aging, etc.), assistance in obtaining benefits, informal money management (from appointing a representative payee,to peitioning the court for appointment of a guardian or for some other legal intervention).
Making a referral
Any vulnerable adult or concerned person may contact APS to inquire about available services. A well informed intake caseworker will guide you through the process of making a referral. The identity of the referral source is confidential or you may remain anonymous.
Please call:
Monroe County Department of Human Services- Adult Protective Services
Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
585-753-6532
After-hours emergencies: 585-461-5698
