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Adult Protective Services (APS)

Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults.

File a Report

By phone:

Monday - Friday:
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and state holidays:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1-877-SOS-ADULT
(1-877-767-2385)

Online:

The online reporting form is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately.

File a Report Online (English)

File a Report Online (Spanish)

Resources

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Report Child Abuse

Learn about child abuse and neglect, how to recognize it and how to file a report online or by phone.

Visit DCS Website

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Adult Abuse (18+)

Find out how to file a report for adult abuse.

Report Adult Abuse

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Employers

Find out how to see if your possible candidate is on the APS registry for adult abuse.

Employer Information

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Mandated Reporters

Find out who the individuals who are required to report to APS are and what information is needed to file a report.

Mandatory Reporting

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APS Registry

Find out who has been found, through an APS investigation and due process, to have abused, neglected or exploited a vulnerable adult.

Search APS Registry

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APS Improvements

Learn what DES and state agencies are doing to increase the statewide efforts to meet the needs of Arizona’s vulnerable population.

APS Improvements

What is Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation?

Abuse can take many forms. Not all abuse is seen with the naked eye. Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse, including intentional infliction of physical harm and injury
  • Sexual abuse or sexual assault
  • Emotional abuse
  • Unlawful imprisonment

Neglect is the deprivation of:

  • Food
  • Water
  • Medication
  • Medical services
  • Shelter
  • Cooling
  • Heating
  • Supervision
  • Other services necessary to maintain minimum physical or mental health

Exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an individual or their resources for another person's profit or advantage. This can include:

  • Misusing cash, credit cards or bank accounts
  • Stealing money or household goods and property
  • Forced panhandling
  • Prostitution

Abuse, neglect and exploitation can occur for many reasons. Also, individuals can be victimized by friends, family members or strangers.

Factors that can cause abuse, neglect or exploitation

Below are factors that can lead to abuse, neglect, or exploitation:

  • Caregiver stress: People who do not have the necessary skills or resources and who are not prepared to be a caregiver may suffer from stress which may lead to abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • Dependency: People in poor health are more likely to be abused than those who are in relatively good health. Caregivers who rely on the monetary resources of the older adult are also more likely to abuse.
  • External stress: Experiencing money problems, job stress and family problems can trigger people to abuse or neglect others upon whom they rely.
  • Social isolation: Social isolation is both a sign of potential abuse and a contributing cause.
  • Intergenerational violence: When violence is a learned form of normal behavior in childhood, it can be expressed in adulthood. This means if a person grew up around violence, they may be more likely to be violent with their own family or someone for whom they are caring.
  • Personal problems of the abuser: People who experience alcoholism, substance abuse or behavioral health problems are more likely to become an abuser than those who do not.
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