Adult Protective Services

Topics:

Programs & Services

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

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Our Mission

To maximize positive outcomes of dependent adults by protecting their well-being, empowering independence, and supporting their quality of life.

Back to top

Who We Protect

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

  • age 60 or older; or
  • age 18 to 59 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 and strives to give them the best possible support and resources. APS seeks the least restrictive alternative in all situations. Iowa’s response to adult abuse is a trifurcated system. For more information on who to call, see the "How to Report" section. 

Back to top

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. 

Back to top

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.
Back to top

Resources

Handbook for Adult Guardians and Conservators - This Handbook is designed to provide information to guardians and conservators and is not intended to replace the advice of an attorney or requirements as stipulated by the laws of Iowa and addressed in the Iowa Code.  The information in this handbook focuses on guardianships and conservatorships for adults. This handbook does not address guardianships and conservatorships for minors.

External Resources

2022 Older Adult Mental Health Webinar Series

Back to top