Adult Protective Services
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Adult Protective Services investigates reports of potential neglect, self-neglect, battery, and exploitation in anyone who may be an endangered adult as defined by Indiana statute 12-10-3-2 (if he/she is: 18 years of age or older and unable to protect themselves due to being mentally or physically disabled, or frail elderly, from being battered, neglected, exploited, or self-neglected) and, where substantiated, finds the least restrictive intervention to resolve the situation. They also provide educational opportunities for service providers and community organizations about adult endangerment, prevention and response.
Adult Protective Services consists of investigators that cover Kosciusko County and three other counties consisting of Marshall, Elkhart, and St. Joseph. Kosciusko County Adult Protective Services recovers funding from the state but is under the direct supervision of the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney.
If a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1 or call the police immediately!
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Duty to Report Endangered Adults
An individual who believes or has reason to believe that another individual is an endangered adult and is the victim of battery, abuse, or exploitation is required by law to make a report to law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
Immunity from Civil Liability for a Person Making a Report or Testifying
A person who in good faith makes a report of an endangered adult, or testifies at administrative or judicial proceedings on matters arising from the report, is immune from both civil and criminal liability for doing so and an employer may not reduce benefits or otherwise retaliate against them.
Signs of An Endangered Adult:
- Not allowing the dependent person to talk or see visitors.
- Indifference or anger toward the dependent person.
- Aggressive behavior (threats, insults, harassment, etc.).
- Conflicting accounts of incidents.
- Withholding affection.
- History of substance abuse, mental illness, criminal behavior, or family violence.
Financial Abuse Indicators:
- Unusual or inappropriate activity in bank accounts.
- Refusal to spend money on dependent person for health care of personal items.
- Numerous unpaid bills.
- Living environment not comparable with income.
- Missing furniture, silverware, jewelry, etc.
- A recent will when elder seems incapable of writing a will.
Physical Indicators:
- Soiled clothing or bed.
- Dehydration or malnutrition.
- Frequent use of emergency room or hospital.
- Cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds.
- Any injury inconsistent with history.
- Bruises on the upper arms or in the shape of object.
- Presence of old and new bruises at the same time.
- Injury that has not been cared for.
- Cigarette burns.
- Lack of necessities in the home, such as water, food, and medicine.
Behavioral Indicators:
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Denial, unlikely stories.
- Fear, withdrawal, non-responsive, hesitation to talk openly, helplessness, depression, agitation, anxiety, and anger.
Adult Protective Services will investigate all calls made and protect those who are determined to be endangered.