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1. Who will APS evaluate?

Adults aged 60 years and older or adults aged 18 to 59 years who have a combination of a disability and the inability to protect their own interest or who have an inability to carry out normal activities to protect their rights, including but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age.

2. If the APS social worker confirms that a person is not safe in their home, can they remove him or her and place the person in a safer environment?

APS can only remove a person from an unsafe home on a voluntary basis. If the person is mentally competent, APS has no jurisdiction. If the client is thought to be mentally incompetent, APS will take legal steps to determine if a conservatorship or surrogate decision-maker is necessary.

3. Does an APS worker locate housing for the homeless or individuals being evicted from their homes?

Yes.  The APS Home Safe Program was established by Assembly Bill 1811 to support the safety and housing stability of individuals involved in Adult Protective Services by providing housing-related assistance using evidence-based practices for homeless assistance and prevention.  The Home Safe Program offers a range of strategies to prevent homelessness and support ongoing housing stability for APS clients.  Strategies include housing-related intensive case management, short-term housing related financial assistance, deep cleaning to maintain safe housing, eviction prevention, landlord mediation and more.   The Home Safe program will operate through June 2024.

4. If I report my suspicions about an abuse, but do not have proof, what will happen to me? Can I remain anonymous?

It is not necessary to have proof of one’s suspicions to make a report of a suspected abuse as long as the report is made in “good faith”. There are penalties for making a false or malicious report of abuse.

5. If a client is too frail to handled their finances or resist undue influence and APS cannot get voluntary cooperation, does APS refer such cases for a conservatorship?

No, there are many factors to determine if a Conservatorship should be pursued. Other methods are tried first which may alleviate the problem. If warranted, a referral may be made to the Placer County Public Guardian by the APS social worker.

6. Does APS find caregivers to go into the home of a frail client?

Yes, In Home Supportive Services (a state run program administered by the county for low income individuals) is one of the resources. Referrals to care giving agencies and nursing registries can be provided to the client.

7. What is an immediate response report?

If there is a report of an immediate life threat, imminent danger, or a crisis in an existing case, APS will attempt to immediately make in-person contact with the elder or dependent adult for purposes of intake or intervention.

8. How quickly can we expect a social worker to respond to a report that does not require immediate response?

APS will respond no more than 10 calendar days from the initial report.