276.236.8111
105 E. CENTER STREET • GALAX, VA 24333

Adult Services

Adult Services

Adult Services is designed to support adults in maintaining independence while remaining in the least restrictive and most appropriate living environment possible. The program focuses on helping individuals access services that promote safety, dignity, and quality of life.

Adult Services staff assist with:

  • Screenings for assisted living facilities

  • Nursing home placement screenings

  • Home-based care and waiver services

  • Adult Day Care referrals

While Adult Services does not provide ongoing case management, staff can help connect individuals to essential community resources, including:

  • Transportation services

  • Nutrition assistance

  • Homemaker services

  • Mental health services

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a core component of Adult Services. APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving:

  • Adults 60 years of age or older, and

  • Adults 18 years of age or older who are incapacitated

The primary goal of APS is to protect a vulnerable adult’s life, health, and property while preserving independence whenever possible. When full independence cannot be safely maintained, APS works to:

  • Provide assistance with minimal disruption to the individual’s lifestyle

  • Ensure due process, personal rights, and legal protections

  • Restore the person’s independence as quickly as possible

Strong partnerships with families, service providers, and community organizations are essential to prevention, risk reduction, and supporting self-determination.

Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting

All reports to Adult Services are confidential. Information about the person making a report is only disclosed:

  • With the reporter’s permission, or

  • If ordered by a court

Virginia law requires certain individuals, known as mandated reporters, to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Mandated reporters include:

  • Healthcare professionals licensed, certified, or registered under Virginia health regulatory boards

  • Mental health service providers

  • Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel

  • Guardians and conservators

  • Individuals employed in direct care roles with adults

  • Law enforcement officers