Family and Social Services Administration
Adult Protective Services
State Hotline 1-800-992-6978
*All persons are required by law to report all cases of suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation to either the nearest APS office or to Law Enforcement.*
The Adult Protective Services (APS) Program was established to investigate reports and provide intervention and protection to vulnerable adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. APS field investigators operate out of the offices of county prosecutors throughout the state.
If the APS Unit has reason to believe that an individual is an endangered adult, the adult protective services unit shall investigate the complaint or cause the complaint to be investigated by law enforcement or other agency and make a determination as to whether the individual reported is an endangered adult. To be eligible for service under this program, an individual must be a resident of the state of Indiana, 18 years of age or older, physically or mentally incapacitated and reported as abused, neglected or exploited. Indiana is the only state in which the APS program is a criminal justice function.
What is it?
Abuse: Any touching (battery) of a person in a rude and insolent manner. Verbally abusing an individual is also a punishable offense.
Neglect: The intentional withholding of essential care or service. Abandonment of an individual is also considered neglect.
Exploitation: The intentional misuse of a person's property, person or services for financial gain.
An endangered adult is defined as an individual who is :
- At least 18 years old
- Incapable by reason of:
- Mental illness
- Developmental/intellectual disability
- Dementia
- Other physical or mental incapacity of managing or directing the management of the individual’s property or providing or directing the provision of self-care
- Harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:
- Neglect
- Battery
- Exploitation of the individual’s personal services or property
APS unit geographic boundaries and contact information.
- Apply for or check the status of my Medicaid (health coverage), SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (cash assistance) benefits.
- Find a quality child care provider in my local area.
- Learn about home and community-based supports for the elderly.
- Learn about job assistance for people with disabilities.
- Seek help for a mental health issue or a drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
