Adult Protective Services
To report elder abuse, please use the hotline
(530) 642-4800
The Adult Protective Services (APS) program is supervised by the California Department of Social Services and administered locally by the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. APS provides assistance to elderly and dependent adults who are functionally impaired, unable to meet their own needs or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
To Report Elder Abuse:
- Call the El Dorado County APS Hotline at (530) 642-4800 (24 hours)
- Fax a completed SOC 341 to (530) 622-1543
To report immediate risk, call 911.
See - Press Release
Program Activities
El Dorado County APS receives reports of abuse, neglect or self-neglect of elderly and dependent adults, residing in their own homes, for investigation and evaluation of their need for protection and /or services. On a voluntary basis, APS provides and/or coordinates support services for elders and dependent adults, and develops case plans for elders and dependent adults who are not able to meet their own needs.
Reporting Requirements
Persons who have assumed full or intermittent responsibility for the care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not they are receiving compensation for the services, are considered mandated reporters of abandonment, abduction, isolation, financial abuse, physical abuse and neglect.
Welfare and Institutions Code 15630 fully describes the duties of mandated reporters. Mandated reporters and others who have knowledge of, or reasonably suspect abuse or neglect has occurred, should report it immediately to APS by telephone at (530) 642-4800 and by written report faxed to (530) 622-1543 within two days. Mandated reporters must complete the state report form "Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse, SOC 341", available online and from any APS office.
Failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in a county jail, by a fine of up to $1,000 or both. Any mandated reporter who willfully fails to report abuse of an elder or dependent adult, where the abuse results in death or great bodily injury, may be punished by up to one year in a county jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. (Welfare and Institutions code 1563(h)).
Because APS and law enforcement are mandated reporters, each has the responsibility to cross-report to the other. Law enforcement should be notified if there is suspicion of any criminal activity.
Information given to APS is considered confidential and will be maintained in a manner that ensures the maximum protection of privacy and confidentiality rights.
Definitions of Terms
Dependent Adult (W&I §15610.23)
Any person between the ages of 18 and 64 years who has physical or mental limitations which restrict his/her ability to carry out normal activities or to protect his/her rights.
Elder (W&I §15610.27)
Any person age 65 years or older.