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Adult protection · state

Adult Protective Services (APS)

WA DSHS HCLA

Adult Protective Services investigates reports of abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in Washington State. APS collaborates with other agencies to offer protective services and aims to promote lives free of harm while respecting individual choice. APS does not remove clients against their will, detain or arrest individuals, act as guardianship services, provide emergency response, or force people to accept services.

Who qualifies

Reports may be made about a 'vulnerable adult' as defined by Washington law: a person 60 or older with a functional, mental, or physical inability to care for themselves; or someone under guardianship (RCW 11.130.265) or conservatorship (RCW 11.130.360); or someone with a developmental disability (RCW 71A.10.020); or someone admitted to any facility; or someone receiving services from a licensed home health, hospice, or home care agency (chapter 70.127 RCW); or someone receiving services from an individual provider; or someone who self-directs their own care and receives services from a personal aide (chapter 74.39 RCW).

What it covers

Investigation of abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, and self-neglect reports; coordination with other agencies for protective services as needed.

Cost

Reporting and investigation services are free.

How to apply

Report concerns about a vulnerable adult through the DSHS 'Report Concerns Involving Vulnerable Adults' page. If unsure whether someone qualifies as a vulnerable adult, report anyway, APS will determine eligibility.

Where to get this in Washington

6 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.

  • Quileute Tribal Senior Center(360) 374-4306

    Senior center in La Push, Clallam County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Quileute Tribe.

  • Quinault Indian Nation Senior Program(360) 276-8211

    Senior center in Taholah, Grays Harbor County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Quinault Indian Nation.

  • Spokane Tribe Senior Program(509) 258-7129

    Senior center in Wellpinit, Stevens County. Senior centers are the most-underrated stay-home resource. Most are free or donation-based, with classes, fitness, lunch, and social activity. Operated by Spokane Tribe of Indians.

  • Suquamish Tribe Elders Lodge(360) 598-3311

    Suquamish Tribe Human Services hub with five weekly elder lunches at Suquamish Village, home delivery for homebound elders, foot care, transportation, and chore services.

  • Swinomish Social Services Building(360) 466-7307

    Swinomish Tribal elder services in La Conner with congregate and home-delivered meals, case management, home modification and repair, and shared housing.

  • Tulalip Tribes Senior Center(360) 716-4690

    Tulalip Tribes Elder Services with daily breakfast and lunch, basket and cedar weaving, and six annual overnight trips for members 50 and older.

Visit the website
www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults

Source www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/adult-protective-services-aps