Do You Know a Vulnerable Adult Who
is Being Abused, Neglected, or Exploited?

Adult Protective Services is a program which serves persons age 18 or over who lack the physical or mental capacity to provide for their daily needs. The purpose of the program is to prevent or remedy neglect, self-neglect, abuse, or exploitation of adults who are unable to protect their own interests and are at risk of immediate harm to themselves or others.

All Suspected Cases Should be Reported

• Abuse - the sustaining of any physical injury by a vulnerable adult as a result of a cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious act by any person;
• Exploitation - any action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult's funds, property, or person;
• Neglect - the willful deprivation of adequate food, clothing, medical treatment or rehabilitative therapy, shelter, or supervision from a vulnerable adult;
• Self-Neglect - the inability of a vulnerable adult to provide for his/her physical or mental health and well-being.

Make an Adult Protective Service Referral

Contact the Baltimore County Department of Social Services at 410-853-3000. (Persons who report the need for Adult Protective Services are protected under the law and may choose to remain anonymous.)

For more information on Elderly Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, visit Maryland Department of Human Resources, Services for Adults.

For more information on Adult Services, visit Need Help Caring for an Elderly/Disabled Adult.

Revised August 11, 2004