Adult Protective Services

Each year, older adults and adults with disabilities can experience abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation—sometimes by family members, caregivers, or others entrusted with their care. Adult Protective Services (APS) exists to help protect vulnerable adults and connect them with services that promote safety, dignity, and well-being.

Common Signs of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

While no single sign confirms abuse, the following may indicate a need for concern:

Burns, welts, scratches, bruises, or cuts
Fractures, dislocations, or sprains
Being restrained or tied to a bed or chair
Fearfulness, withdrawal, depression, or mistrust of others
Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
Inappropriate or inadequate clothing
Malnutrition or dehydration
Lack of necessary supervision
Untreated medical conditions
Missing dentures, glasses, hearing aids, medications, or medical equipment
Missing personal belongings
Mismanaged property or finances
Sudden changes to a will or power of attorney
Unpaid bills or unexplained financial changes

If you notice any of these warning signs, reporting your concerns can help protect someone from further harm.

Who Is Eligible for Adult Protective Services?

Adult Protective Services may assist individuals who:

Are 60 years of age or older, or
Are 18–59 years old and incapacitated

What Are Adult Protective Services?

Under the Code of Virginia, Adult Protective Services is responsible for responding to reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of eligible adults.

APS may:

Investigate reports or situations where an adult is at risk
Arrange health, housing, social, and legal services to stop mistreatment and prevent future harm
Take legal action when necessary to protect adults who are in emergency situations and unable to consent to services

APS may also refer cases to licensing, regulatory, or legal authorities for administrative action or criminal investigation when appropriate.

What Information Should Be Reported?

When making a report, provide as much information as possible, including:

The name, age, and address or location of the adult
Details about the suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Any immediate safety concerns

You do not need proof to make a report—reasonable suspicion is enough.

Will My Report Be Confidential?

Yes. The identity of the person making a report is confidential and will not be disclosed unless:

The reporter gives permission, or
A court orders the disclosure

Reports may also be made anonymously. Individuals who make a report in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability.

Mandated Reporters

Virginia law requires certain individuals, known as mandated reporters, to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults immediately.

Mandated reporters include, but are not limited to:

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
Mental health providers
Emergency medical personnel (EMTs)
Law enforcement officers
Funeral service providers
Nursing home administrators
Individuals or organizations providing services to older adults or incapacitated individuals

Failure to report as required may result in fines of up to $1,000.

Employers of mandated reporters:

Must inform employees of their reporting responsibilities
May not prevent an employee from reporting directly to APS

Suspicious deaths must be reported to law enforcement and the medical examiner.

How to Report Suspected Abuse

Anyone—including family members, neighbors, professionals, and financial institutions—may report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

If you are concerned about someone in the City of Galax, Virginia, contact your local Department of Social Services and ask for an Adult Protective Services worker, or call the 24-hour toll-free APS hotline:

📞 (888) 832-3858

You may also report non-emergency concerns online:
🔗 https://www.dars.virginia.gov/aps/APSreport.htm

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.