Adult Protective Services

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Programs & Services

Have a question about Adult Protective Services? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.

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What We Do

Dependent Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults. Concerns of possible abuse are evaluated or assessed by HHS. The program endeavors to provide for the safety and protection of adults who are, or are suspected to be, victims of maltreatment. The program endeavors to make referrals to assist alleged victims and their families in locating community support to meet their needs. Iowa operates as a state-supervised and state-administered program with 5 service areas of field operation.

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Who We Protect

Adult Protective Services helps vulnerable adults who face abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. These adults must be:

  • ages 18 and older and are unable to protect their 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.

APS approaches all adults with compassion and respect. APS seeks the least restrictive alternative in all situations and strives to provide the best possible support and resources. Iowa’s response to adult abuse is a trifurcated system and interventions may look different depending on the adult’s ability and living arrangements. For more information on where to report, see the “How to Report” section. 

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Our Definitions

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 is unable to adequately perform or obtain services necessary to meet essential human needs, as a result of a physical or mental condition that 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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How to Report

  • If you think that an older adult is in immediate, life-threatening danger, dial 911.
  • If you suspect that an older adult is being mistreated, contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Dependent Adult Abuse hotline at 1-800-362-2178, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • If suspected dependent adult abuse is occurring in a health facility or program, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Complaint Hotline at 1-877-686-0027 or email hfd_complaint@dia.iowa.gov.  
  • If you have concerns about your quality of care, quality of life or rights as a resident/tenant, or if you have concerns on behalf of your loved one who is living in one of Iowa's long-term care facilities, contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-866-236-1430.
  • For a coordinated entry point to Iowa’s information and referral resources regarding long-term independent living, contact LifeLong Links online or call 1-866-468-7887.
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Prevention & Public Awareness

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Data, Statistics and Presentations

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Handbooks and Forms

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