Adult Protective Services
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE OF DISABLED ADULTS OR ELDER PERSONS
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Report on the web:
www.aging.dhs.georgia.gov/adult-protective-services
Note: The online reporting form is not compatible with Internet Explorer 10.
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Fax a referral: 770-408-3001
Referral Forms here: www.aging.dhs.georgia.gov/adult-protective-services
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Call us toll-free: 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464) – Press Option “3”
Reports are accepted by phone Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Every day, older adults and adults with disabilities are suffering from abuse, neglect, and
exploitation; often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family
members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust or opportunistic
strangers who prey on the vulnerable.
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TYPES OF ABUSE
Physical abuse;
Mental, emotional, or verbal abuse;
Sexual abuse;
Neglect;
Self Neglect; and
Financial Exploitation.
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Aging Services, Adult
Protective Services (APS) investigates all reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of
older persons (65+) or a adult (18+) with a disability who do not reside in long-term care
facilities pursuant to the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. §§
30-5-1, et seq.
For persons living in the community, Georgia law requires mandatory reporting of
suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation by certain professionals who are mandated
reporters*. Failure for a mandated reporter to report abuse, neglect and/or exploitation
of a disabled adult or elder person is punishable by a criminal misdemeanor.
All persons are encouraged to report suspected abuse to protective
services. Persons who report in good faith are immune from liability. Reporting is kept
confidential within the parameters of state law (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4).
Call 911 if someone needs immediate help!!
(over)
To make a report of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation Monday through Friday 8
a.m. - 5 p.m. call 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464) - Press “3”. If you contact us by
phone, please leave a detailed message. You can send a report by fax at 770-4083001. Phone messages, fax and web reports will be followed up on the next business
day. Leaving a message, web and/or fax reporting does not constitute an accepted report
for investigation. If you do not receive a follow up call within 48 hours, please call during
regular business hours to follow up on your report.
To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult or adult with a disability residing
in a long-term care facility (i.e. community living arrangements, personal care homes,
intermediate care or skilled nursing homes), contact the Department of Community
Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation, 1-800-878-6442 or http://dch.georgia.gov.
Elder abuse is an under-recognized, undetected and underreported problem with
devastating and life-threatening consequences. Report ALL suspected abuse,
neglect and exploitation TODAY. Be the voice for those who are suffering silently!
*Mandated reporters include: medical personnel including physicians, interns, residents
and others; osteopaths; dentists; psychologists; chiropractors; podiatrists; pharmacists;
physical therapists; occupational therapists; licensed professionals and counselors;
nursing personnel; social work personnel; day care personnel; coroner; medical
examiner; employees of a public or private agency engaged in professional health-related
services to elder persons or disabled adults; employees of a financial institution, and law
enforcement personnel.
Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS)Division of Aging Services (DAS)Adult Protective Services (APS)
www.aging.dhs.georgia.gov/adult-protective-services
1-866-55-AGING / 1-866-552-4464 (Option #3)