Adult Protective Services (APS)

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Adult Protective Service (APS) workers serve those 18 years and older who are vulnerable or have a disability. APS serves those who need assistance due to abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation. If you or someone you know may need assistance please contact us. Your referral can remain confidential.

APS Brochure
APS Brochure - Hmong
APS Brochure - Spanish

How to make a report: Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-877-886-2372

For further information on abuse reporting: Adult Protective Services.

If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation call 911 if someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger.
If the alleged abuser is a paid caregiver employed by a long-term care facility, contact the Division of Quality Assurance, Office of Caregiver Quality e-mail: Caregiver_Intake@dhfs.state.wi.us or Phone: 608-261-8319.
If none of the above situations: Call the ADRC and ask for Adult Protective Services.

Confidentiality

Abuse reports and information that is given to Adult Protective Service agencies are always confidential by law. Unless you are a mandated reporter, you can choose to make the report without giving your name.

What will you be asked?

When making a call to report suspected Elder Adult (Age 60+) or Adult (age 18-59) at risk of some kind of abuse or neglect, you will speak to one of our APS staff. You may give your name and address if you choose, but you do not have to give this information. They will listen to your concerns, gather information and ask pertinent questions in order to clearly understand the situation. It is understood that you may or may not have additional information regarding the person/situation but please share what you do know. You will not be required to do anything more following your call.

What will happen after you contact your county elder adults/adults-at-risk agency?

An APS worker will respond to the report and determine what response is necessary.
Contacting APS at the ADRC is the entry point for many types of services provided by the Long Term Support Division of the Winnebago County Department of Human Services. The APS worker's primary duties are to investigate abuse/neglect (including self-neglect) reports brought to our attention.
Each Wisconsin County APS Agency has professional people who know how to respond to referrals with the primary goal of stopping the abuse. The responder's first concern is the safety of the adult at risk. Responders will determine the type of abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation. Services will be offered as needed to improve the current situation and hopefully prevent any future abuse from happening.
There are many agencies that work to reduce danger and provide services or assistance to victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Services may include health care, aging programs (including transportation, nutrition and benefit counseling), domestic violence/sexual assault services (safety planning, counseling, support groups, and legal advocacy) and criminal justice intervention. Other available resources may be offered, including help with home repairs, social connections and legal matters.
Bear in mind that competent adults have the right to refuse an elder/adult at risk investigation and any recommended services regardless of the opinion of professionals, family, friends, neighbors and the community at large

Guardianships

Guardianship Training Registration
Click below to watch the training webcasts from DHS for Guardians:
Guardianship Training Series-Guardianship 101
The ADRC accepts referrals for Guardianship's and Protective Placements for those individuals who have under $2,000 (single) or $5,000 (couple) in assets.

To refer someone for a guardianship, please complete the Guardianship Referral Form and have a physician complete the Examining Physician's or Psychologist's Report (GN-3130). Once these are completed, contact the ADRC at 877-886-2372. Completed forms can be faxed in to 920-424-7521.

Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center Helpful Resources
Guardianship (Chap.54) and Protective Placement/Services (Chap. 55)
Chapter 54 of the Statutes governs the standard and procedures for guardianship of persons who are determined to be legally incompetent due to developmental disability, serious and persistent mental illness, degenerative brain disorder, or other like incapacities. A guardian may be appointed to manage an individual's medical and personal decisions and/or financial decisions. Guardianship may be limited by the court to certain functions or may cover most of the decisions an individual must make.
Chapter 55 of the Statutes governs the protective placement/services law which focus on persons who have been declared incompetent under Ch. 54 of the Statutes, and who are in need of long-term placement in a nursing care facility or other similar facility, or who are in need of services in the community. Care is to be provided in the least restrictive environment to meet the person's needs.