Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) is the state entity charged with investigating all reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of older persons (65+) or an adult (18+) with a disability who do not reside in long-term care facilities pursuant to the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act, O.C.G.A. §§ 30-5-1, et seq. 

Types of abuse

• Physical abuse;
• Mental, emotional, or verbal abuse;
• Sexual abuse;
• Neglect;
• Self-Neglect; and
• Exploitation, including financial exploitation

Who should report abuse, neglect and exploitation?

For persons living in the community, Georgia law requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation by certain professionals who are mandated reporters. View the list of Mandated Reporters here. Failure for a mandated reporter to report abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of a disabled adult or elder person is punishable by a criminal misdemeanor.

All persons are encouraged to report suspected abuse to protective services. Persons who report in good faith are immune from liability. Reporting is kept confidential within the parameters of state law (O.C.G.A. § 30-5-4). 

APS is not a first responder. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.