Adult Protective Services

Vulnerable adults living in the community who are being subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation and cannot fully protect or care for themselves, can be serviced through Adult Protective Services, a program that is funded through the Older Americans Act.

What a Vulnerable Adult Is

A vulnerable adult is a person 18 years of age or older who resides in a community setting and who, because of a physical, mental illness, disability, or is elderly, does not have the capacity to carry out decisions concerning his or her well-being and is the subject of abuse. neglect or exploitation. Vulnerable adults can also be found living alone, with family or with others. Sometimes a family member may be the source of abuse or neglect. These individuals are subject to harm as they cannot protect themselves and their basic needs are not being provided for properly.

Investigative Reports

Adult Protective Services receive and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and reports can be made by anyone and remain anonymous if so desired. If a report is confirmed and the vulnerable adult is willing to accept assistance, services could be put in place and include home care, meals on wheels, health care, legal intervention, and case management to enable these vulnerable adults to live in a safe environment within the community.

If you are aware of or suspect, abuse of any kind, please call the local Adult Protective Service agency in Gloucester County at 856-256-2113 between 8 am and 4 pm or dial 211, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In cases of physical/sexual abuse and or medical/mental health crisis emergency, the police/911 should be called immediately for evaluation.

Additional Information: