Adult Protective Services (APS) in Illinois provides crucial support for older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. This guide will walk you through understanding APS, identifying abuse, and how to report it.

Overview

What is APS?

APS is a service designed to protect adults who are vulnerable due to age or disability from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. The program investigates reports and provides services to ensure safety and well-being.

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Infliction of physical pain or injury.

• Emotional Abuse: Mental suffering through threats, harassment, or intimidation.

• Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm.

• Financial Exploitation: Illegal or improper use of an individual's funds or property.

How to Report Abuse

1. Identify Abuse

Understand the signs of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Learn More

2. Gather Information

Collect relevant details about the situation:

• Name and address of the person being abused

• Nature and extent of the abuse or neglect

• Any other pertinent information

3. Report Abuse

You can report abuse through multiple channels:

• Phone: Call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409.

• Online: Submit a report through the APS Reporting Page.

4. After Reporting

Learn what happens after you report abuse. Read More

Useful Links

• Adult Protective Services Overview

• What is Abuse?

• Report Abuse

• After Reporting

• Financial Exploitation

• APS Registry

• Find APS Providers

• Get Involved

Tips for Reporting

• Be specific: Provide as much detail as possible.

• Stay anonymous if needed: You can report anonymously if you prefer.

• Follow up: Check on the status of the report if possible.

By following these steps, you can help protect vulnerable adults in your community and ensure they receive the support they need.