Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports from the public and from mandated reporters about possible abuse of elders or dependent adults and responds appropriately to assess the safety and well-being. Reports are reviewed by trained social workers and investigated as deemed appropriate. Social workers are available 24/7 to respond to crisis situations needing immediate response. When individuals are found to be at risk of harm or in need of intervention to ensure their safety, services are offered and referrals are made to appropriate agencies or programs.

• Elders – age 60 or older

• Dependent Adults – age 18 to 59 with physical or mental limitations which restrict their ability to carry out normal daily activities, or prohibit them from protecting themselves from abuse  

To report suspected abuse or neglect in Fresno County, contact the APS Careline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:  

Phone:  (559) 600-3383 or (800) 418-1426 

Fax: (559) 600-7656  

Mandated Reporters - required forms for reporting elder/dependent adult abuse are on the Mandated Reporters tab.

By law, certain professions are required to report suspected abuse or neglect of elders and dependent adults. Reports must be made by telephone within 24 hours and followed up within 48 hours on a Report of Suspected Dependent Adult or Elder Abuse form (SOC 341) available below or by request to the hotline.

• Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse (SOC 341).pdf(PDF, 320KB)

• Reporte de Sospecha de Abuso de Adultos Dependientes/Personas de Edad Avanzada (SOC 341).pdf(PDF, 318KB)

Mandated reporters from financial institutions must use this form:

• Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Financial Abuse (SOC 342)(PDF, 255KB)

Fax completed forms to:

(559) 600-7656

If unable to fax, mail the form to:  

DSS – APS

 PO Box 1912 

Fresno, CA 93718-1912

Mandated Reporter e-Learning

New to working with elders and/or dependent adults?  Need a refresher?  

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has a Mandated Reporters online e-learning that explains the role and responsibilities of individuals that by law are mandated reporters of elder and/or dependent adult abuse.

Physical Abuse

The non-accidental use of physical force that results or could have resulted in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

Sexual Abuse

• Nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind.  It includes but is not limited to:
• Unwanted touching
• All types of sexual assault or battery such as rape, sodomy, and coerced nudity
•  Sexually explicit photographing
•  Forced exposure to pornography
•  Unwanted sexual relations with a spouse, partner, significant other or anyone else

Financial Abuse

The illegal or improper use of a client’s funds, property or assets for personal gain or benefit. 

Neglect

Defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to another individual.

Self-Neglect

An adult’s refusal or failure to perform essential self-care tasks.

Psychological Abuse (Mental Suffering)

The infliction of fear, anguish, agitation, or other emotional distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. 

Abandonment

Intentionally leaving or forsaking an individual.

Isolation

The purposeful prevention of communication between an individual and others without the individual’s consent or knowledge when the action is not in the individual’s best interest.

Abduction

The malicious taking or enticing away of an individual from California or keeping the individual from returning to California, when the individual lacks the capacity to consent or without consent of the conservator.