Adult Protective Services Program
Adult refers to a resident age 18-59 living with a disability or an adult 60 years of age or older and living in an independent setting (rather than in a long-term setting). The alleged abuser has a relationship with, and has continued access to, the alleged victim.
Anyone can report Abuse. All information regarding the report is completely confidential.
Abuse and neglect can look like any of the following:
- Injury that hasn’t been cared for and has unusual circumstances.
- Pain on touching, cuts, lacerations or puncture wounds.
- Bruises, welts and discoloration and/or presence of old and new bruises at the same time.
- Pallor or poor skin hygiene, sunken eyes or cheeks, absence of hair or hemorrhaging below scalp, eye problems or retinal detachment.
- Soiled clothing or bed linen
- Improper hygiene
- Bed sores
- Dehydrated/malnourished
- Inadequate clothing
- Inadequate supervision
- Not receiving medical care and/or medications
- Someone with access to an adult’s money appears to use the funds for himself or herself rather than for the intended person, resulting in many unpaid bills or overdue rent, for example.
- The adult does not have adequate food, clothing or personal care items when there appears to be enough money.
- A person is grossly overcharged for residence or services.
- A person loans large sums of money with no arrangement for repayment.
- A person complains of deception or theft of property funds from an identifiable person.
Behavioral Indicators:
- Fear, withdrawal, depression, helplessness, resignation, hesitation to talk openly or implausible stories.
- Confusion, disorientation or contradictory statements.
- Anger, denial, non-responsiveness, agitation or anxiety.
- Lack of assistance, attitudes of indifference or anger toward the adult.
- Family member blames the adult (such as issues with incontinence).
- Threats, insults, harassment, intimidation.
- Withhold affection or feeling of security.
- The caregiver does not allow the adult to speak for themselves or to see others without the caregiver present.
- Family or adult is socially isolated.
- The intentional withholding of food, water, shelter, medical care, assistive devices, etc. from the adults.
- Any sexual activity that the adult is unable to understand, unwilling to consent to, or forced to engage in.
- Self-neglect is a general term used to describe a vulnerable adult living in a way that puts his or her health, safety, or well-being at risk. Self-neglect by vulnerable adults is a serious problem. It can be difficult to know when or if you should get involved.
- The desertion or willful forsaking of an eligible adult by an individual responsible for the care and custody of that eligibility adult under circumstances in which a reasonable person would continue to provide care and custody.
How do I Make a Referral?
Call (309) 277-0167 or (800) 798-0988
What Happens When I Call?
All referrals are confidential. You will be asked to provide the following information: the name, address, age and phone number of the victim and if possible, the name, address, phone number and age of the alleged abuser(s); describe the circumstances – what is occurring; if there are any others with information; your name and phone number, however the information is kept confidential.