How does Adult Protective Services work?

Refer someone to APS if they can’t meet their basic needs like food, shelter, or healthcare. This might be because of: abuse – could be physical, verbal, sexual, financial, etc. neglect – from self-neglect, a disability, or inadequate care by others. financial exploitation – when someone is manipulating them for financial gain or stealing from them. Anyone can anonymously refer an adult to APS. You can refer yourself if you need. APS caseworkers will make a plan of support for you which might include: visiting your home to assess your needs and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation helping you apply for public benefits finding other living arrangements referring you for psychiatric and/or medical examination and care referring to the NYPD and District Attorney to address allegations of exploitation and abuse petitioning the Courts for help with eviction prevention or with managing financial and domestic affairs. heavy-duty cleaning services Call 911 in an emergency or life-threatening situation where a person needs immediate help.

Am I eligible for Adult Protective Services?

To be eligible for APS, you should be able to answer yes to the following questions: Are you 18 or older? Do you have a physical or mental disability? Are you unable to manage your own resources, carry out daily activities, or protect yourself from dangerous situations without help from others? Do you have no one else who is willing and able to help you responsibly?

Adult Protective Services

How it works

APS helps adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation. If you or someone you know needs help, refer them to APS by calling 718-557-1399.

Refer someone to APS if they can’t meet their basic needs like food, shelter, or healthcare. This might be because of:
- abuse – could be physical, verbal, sexual, financial, etc.
- neglect – from self-neglect, a disability, or inadequate care by others.
- financial exploitation – when someone is manipulating them for financial gain or stealing from them.
Anyone can anonymously refer an adult to APS. You can refer yourself if you need.
APS caseworkers will make a plan of support for you which might include:
- visiting your home to assess your needs and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- helping you apply for public benefits
- finding other living arrangements
- referring you for psychiatric and/or medical examination and care
- referring to the NYPD and District Attorney to address allegations of exploitation and abuse
- petitioning the Courts for help with eviction prevention or with managing financial and domestic affairs.
- heavy-duty cleaning services
Call 911 in an emergency or life-threatening situation where a person needs immediate help.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for APS, you should be able to answer yes to the following questions:

Are you 18 or older?
Do you have a physical or mental disability?
Are you unable to manage your own resources, carry out daily activities, or protect yourself from dangerous situations without help from others?
Do you have no one else who is willing and able to help you responsibly?

Get help

Visit their website

Learn more about APS from HRA.

Call 911

If there is an emergency or life-threatening situation and a person needs immediate help.

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Last Updated May 22, 2024

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Help for adults in danger of abuse, neglect or exploitation