Nationwide, it is estimated that, while 1 out of every 20 older Americans may be a victim of abuse, neglect or exploitation, only 1 out of every 8 cases is reported. In FY 2006, Fairfax County Adult Protective Services received 632 reports of alleged incidents of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elderly persons or adults with disabilities. Of the 632 reports investigated, 351 were found to require protective services. Of those, 63 were abuse cases, 239 were neglect cases (including self-neglect) and 49 were cases of exploitation. The remaining cases involved a combination of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. Community awareness of adult abuse is critical for its prevention and for the safety and well-being of all vulnerable adults in our community.
What are Adult Protective Services?
These are legally mandated services *to provide for adults who are being abused, neglected or exploited and who are:
- 18 years or older with physical or mental disabilities, or
- 60 years or older.
Protective Services to adults consist of the receipt and prompt investigation of reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation. They include assessing, documenting and identifying the adult's service needs, and providing case management services. Adults receiving protective services may live in their own homes; live with relatives; or reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals or group home facilities.
*Under Section 63.2-1603 to 1610 of the Code of Virginia
What do the terms ABUSE, NEGLECT, and EXPLOITATION mean?
ABUSE means the willful infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental anguish; or unreasonable confinement. Examples include:
- Improper use of physical restraints or medication.
- Pushing, striking, or slapping.
- Sexual coercion or assault.
- Verbal berating, harassment or intimidation.
NEGLECT refers to nonexistent or insufficient care and support necessary to maintain a person's physical and/or mental health to the extent that his or her well-being is impaired or threatened. This may include:
- Failing to provide safety precautions.
- Leaving a vulnerable adult alone for long periods.
- Self-neglect that threatens the adult's health or safety.
- Withholding health maintenance care, including adequate meals or fluids.
EXPLOITATION means the illegal use of an incapacitated adult's resources for another's profit or advantage. This includes:
- Charging adults exorbitant prices for services or repairs.
- Coercing the adult into signing contracts.
- Stealing the adult's money or possessions.
- Transferring, without authorization, the adult's property, savings or other resources.
Who reports suspected incidents of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation?
Anyone who suspects that an adult has been abused, neglected or exploited can report; however, some persons are required by law to report. These mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly persons or adults with disabilities immediately to Adult Protective Services (APS). In addition, mandated reporters are required to report the following to APS: sexual abuse; death; serious bodily injury or disease believed to be caused by abuse or neglect; and any other criminal activity involving abuse or neglect that places the adult in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. Mandated reporters must report immediately to the appropriate medical examiner and law enforcement agency when there is reason to suspect that an adult died as a result of abuse or neglect.
Mandated reporters include:
- Any person licensed, certified, or registered by health regulatory boards listed in §54.1-2503 of the Virginia Code, except persons licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine;
- Any mental health services provider as defined in §54.1-2400.1 of the Virginia Code;
- Emergency medical services personnel certified by the Board of Health pursuant to §32.1-111.5 of the Virginia Code;
- Any guardian or conservator of an adult;
- Law enforcement officers;
- Persons in the nursing profession;
- Persons providing full-time or part-time care to adults for pay on a regular basis;
- Persons who are employed by a public or private facility and work with adults;
- Physicians, including hospital residents and interns;
- Social workers.
Staff in financial institutions who suspect that an adult has been exploited financially may report their concerns to APS. Visit the Virginia Department of Social Services Web site at www.dss.state.va.us/family/adultprotect.html for a Web-based training course: Mandated Reporters for Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.
What happens when APS receives a report of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation?
After receiving a report, a social worker conducts a prompt, thorough investigation to determine whether protective services are needed. The APS philosophy is to provide the least restrictive intervention necessary to protect the adult and stabilize the situation, and, when appropriate, to offer and provide supportive and respite services to adults and their families.
How am I protected when I report?
Individuals reporting suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation are protected in two ways:
- They are given immunity from civil and criminal liability if the report is made in good faith.
- The identity of the person reporting, as well as the information gathered, is by law confidential and is not made available to the public.
To report suspected incidents of
neglect, abuse or exploitation of an adult, contact:
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
703-324-7450
TTY 703-449-1186
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs
This document is available in an alternative format upon request.
Please call 703-324-5870.
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