Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in Washington state.

Here are some common signs of vulnerable adult abuse, but additional signs may also appear.

For abuse definitions, refer to RCW 74.34.020

Neglect and Self-Neglect

  • Lack of food and water
  • Changes in personal hygiene
  • Lack of medication, missed appointments, or isolation

Financial Exploitation

  • Basic needs not met
  • Unpaid bills
  • Unexplained financial changes

Physical Abuse

  • Suspicious bruises, black eyes, or welts
  • Unexplained broken bones, cuts, or sprains
  • Sudden changes in behavior

Mental Abuse

  • Threatening significant harm
  • Derogatory names, insults, profanity, or ridicule
  • Harassment or humiliation

Sexual Abuse

  • Unusual bruising on thighs or chest
  • Unexplained sexually transmitted infections
  • Withdrawn from social interactions

Alert icon. Take Notice.

Reporting is a partnership - Help protect vulnerable adults.

  • Visit: Check on your family and friends.
  • Share: Tell others about Adult Protective Services.
  • Support: Offer support to caregivers.
  • Report: Recognize the signs and report to Adult Protective Services.

What to Expect From Adult Protective Services

Engaging the Public in Reporting

Adult Protective Services relies on the public to report instances of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation so that appropriate actions are taken to address these critical concerns. Reports can be done online, in person, and by phone 1-877-734-6277.

Intake and Evaluation

When a concern is reported, an Adult Protective Services intake worker will gather important details to assess APS jurisdiction or purview.

Investigation Procedure

During an investigation, Adult Protective Services conducts interviews with people, collects pertinent documents, conducts observations, and collaborates with law enforcement and other relevant organizations, as necessary.

Collaboration and Support

Adult Protective Services collaborates with local organizations and community partners to provide essential services and support to effectively respond to and address cases involving vulnerable adults and their safety and well-being.

Additional Resources

Adult Protective Services provides information contained in the vulnerable adult abuse registry through a public records request: per Washington Administrative Code 388-103-0200, the identity of the person on the vulnerable adult abuse registry with a final substantiated finding of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect.

You can find more information by visiting, How to Request Public Records | DSHS, or by email: DSHSPublicDisclosure@dshs.wa.gov, by Phone: (360) 902-8484, or by Fax: (360) 902-7855 or making a request directly with Adult Protective Services public record at: APSPublicRecords@dshs.wa.gov.

The Department of Health Provider Credential Search provides the status of caregiver licenses, certifications, and registrations (such as home care aide, registered nurse, and nursing assistant certified/registered). This includes any “enforcement actions” and steps taken by the Department of Health related to Adult Protective Services final substantiated findings.

Under RCW 74.34.20, Washington State defines a “vulnerable adult” by law as a person who is:

  • 60 years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself or herself; or
  • Is subject to a guardianship under RCW 11.130.265 or subject to conservatorship under RCW 11.130.360; or
  • Who has a developmental disability as defined under RCW 71A.10.020; or
  • Admitted to any facility; or
  • Receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care agencies licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW; or
  • Receiving services from an individual provider; or
  • Who self-directs his or her own care and receives services from a personal aide under chapter 74.39 RCW.

 

Washington State’s definition of abuse (sexual, physical, mental, personal exploitation, improper use of restraint), abandonment, financial exploitation, neglect and self-neglect – refer to RCW 74.34.020.

As much as possible of the following information under RCW 74.34.035:

  • The name and address of the person making the report.
  • The name and address of the vulnerable adult and the name of the facility or agency providing care for the vulnerable adult.
  • The name and address of the legal guardian or alternate decision maker.
  • The nature and extent of the abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect.
  • Any history of previous abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect.
  • The identity of the alleged perpetrator, if known.
  • Other information that may be helpful in establishing the extent of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or the cause of death of the deceased vulnerable adult.

If you don’t have all the information, it’s okay to make a report anyway!

  • Mandated reporters are defined in RCW 74.34.020.
    • RCW 74.34.035 defines when mandated reporters shall immediately report.
  • All Department of Social and Health Services Administrative (DSHS) employees, interns, volunteers, work study students and any person or entity working under contract with or licensed by the department are mandated reporters under DSHS Administrative Policy No. 8.02.

Make a report anyway! We’ll take care of the rest.

Yes – under RCW 74.34.035, unless there is a judicial proceeding or the person consents.

Share what you do know about the situation. It’s our job to investigate the details. If you make a report in good faith, you have immunity from liability.

  • Remove a client against his or her own will
  • Detain or arrest an individual
  • Act as guardianship services
  • Act as emergency response (such as law enforcement or EMT)
  • Force people to accept services

Report Online

Online

Make an online report of abuse or neglect

Make an online report about concerns at a residential facility
 
 

Report by Phone

Make a Report by Phone

Adult Protective Services:

1-877-734-6277

Complaint Resolution Unit:

1-800-562-6078
(TTY) 1-800-737-7931