Persons who meet the definition of ‘dependent adult,’ who have either been abused or neglected by a caretaker or have neglected themselves, are assessed by HHS.
‘Dependent adult’ means a person eighteen years of age or older who is unable to protect the person’s own interests or unable to adequately perform or obtain services necessary to meet essential human needs, as a result of a physical or mental condition which requires assistance from another, or as defined by Department rule.
‘Caretaker’ means a related or non-related person who has the responsibility for the protection, care, or custody of a dependent adult as a result of assuming the responsibility voluntarily, by contract, through employment, or by order of the court.
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Dependent Adult Protective Services 1-800-362-2178 (toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) To report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect of a dependent adult, please call the toll-free number above. If a person is in imminent danger, call 911. Do NOT email a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation as this email is not monitored during non-business hours and could result in a delayed response to the report. |