Adult Protective Services (APS) serves to safeguard adults who are vulnerable through assessment and engagement to stop, prevent, or reduce the risk of maltreatment.
A vulnerable adult is any person, 18 years of age or older who:
- Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
- Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care, or other licensed care facility
- Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance, or other licensed services
Maltreatment includes:
- Abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, use of restraints, involuntary seclusion or punishment
- Neglect, including failure to provide the food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision necessary to maintain the person’s health, safety, or comfort. Neglect may be by a caregiver or service provider, or because the vulnerable adult cannot meet their own needs
- Financial exploitation, including theft or withholding of money or property and/or use of money or property not for the vulnerable adult's benefit
What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse or Neglect?
Minnesota utilizes a centralized system for reporting suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults known as the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) who refers maltreatment reports to the lead investigative agency within the appropriate jurisdiction.
To Make a Vulnerable Adult Report
- Call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574.
- Mandated reporters may make a vulnerable adult report using the MAARC Mandated Reporter Form.
- If the vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What Happens After I Make a Report?
Once a report is made, it will be forwarded to the correct state or county jurisdiction for review. Reports of maltreatment occurring by licensed facilities or licensed home care staff are routed to the appropriate state agency for investigation. Alleged incidents of maltreatment in community settings will be assigned to a County Adult Protection Investigator if appropriate.
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