Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state mandated program dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults subjected to neglect, abuse, or exploitation, or who are unable to protect their own interests. An elder is a person 65 years of age or older. A dependent adult is a person between the ages of 18 and 64 who is unable to protect his or her rights, including but not limited to persons who have physical or development disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age.

In addition to investigating allegations of abuse or neglect, APS social workers may assist the elderly and dependent population of Sacramento County in the following ways:

• Provide 24 hour emergency response services
• Secure linkages and referrals for other county and community services such as public health assessment and counseling services
• Advocate for clients in a variety of situations, for example, with landlords, doctors, hospitals, treatment programs and other social services 
• Arrange for direct servies such as meal delivery, transportation and immediate assistance with emergency situations
• Coordinate and consult with other providers to ensure the best possible service for the client.

Elder and dependent adult abuse includes: Physical abuse (assault/battery, constraint or deprivation, sexual assault, chemical restraint, and over or under medication), neglect (including self-neglect), financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, and psychological or verbal abuse.

Mandated Reporters MUST report suspected abuse or neglect by phone as soon as possible and follow up with a completed written report  (see link below for form) within two days. Failure to report abuse of an elder or dependent adult is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than six months in the county jail or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine. Any mandated reporter who willfully fails to report abuse where the abuse results in death or great bodily injury, may be punished by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine.