Adult Protective Services

Marin County Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of older adults age 60+ and dependent adults with physical or mental limitations between the ages 18 and 59.

• Older adults age 60 and older.
• Dependent adults ages 18–59 who have physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to protect their own health, safety, or resources.
• Mandated reporters (for example, health care providers and certain other professionals) who are required by law to report suspected elder or dependent adult abuse. Mandated reporters must provide their name and contact information when making a report.
• Individuals concerned about someone in a long-term care facility should contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

What APS does

APS responds to reports of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of older and dependent adults. APS investigates reports that meet criteria and provides short-term case management, referrals, and coordination with other agencies when needed to help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults.

When to report

• If the older or dependent adult is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Any suspected abuse should be reported immediately or as soon as possible.
• Reports involving individuals residing in another county or state should be made to the local APS office in that jurisdiction.
• Concerns about someone residing in a long-term care facility should be made to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

What to have available when you report

• Be prepared to provide as much information as you can about the person you are calling about, including:
  • Name
  • Age
  • Address
  • Contact information
  • Medical and/or mental diagnosis
  • Functioning
  • Living environment
• If you are reporting from a financial institution, provide name, address, account number, amount of loss, date(s) of loss or attempted theft, abuser information if known, and other relevant details.
• Provide your information. If you are a mandated reporter, you must provide your name and contact information.

How to report

• Adult Protective Services 24/7 reporting line: 415-473-2774.
• Submit an online report for concerns not involving physical or sexual abuse and not requiring immediate attention: APS online report.
• Mandated reporters: make a verbal report first, then complete and fax one of the following forms to Marin County APS at 415-473-7042:
  • Form SOC-341 (Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse).
  • Form SOC-342 (Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse — for use by financial institutions only).

What happens after a report is made

• All reports are reviewed by a supervisor to determine the appropriate level of response.
• Reports that meet APS criteria will be assigned to a social worker to respond within 24 hours or within 10 calendar days, depending on the level of risk.
• Reports that do not require an in-person response will be assigned for a telephone investigation.
• Due to confidentiality, staff will not be able to provide information on case status to reporters.

Confidentiality

The identity of persons who report suspected abuse is kept confidential. APS may only share a reporter's identity with other investigative agencies as permitted by law.

Related services and contacts

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 415-473-7446.
• For immediate emergencies, call 911.