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Adult Maltreatment

Adult Maltreatment

1-800-482-8049 – Adult Maltreatment Hotline

Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates adult maltreatment complaints that includes abuse, exploitation, neglect, or sexual abuse of an adult (See Arkansas Code § 12-12-1703)

While APS investigates maltreatment complaints of individuals living in the community, The Office of Long Term Care handles complaints of individuals residing in long-term care facilities.

Examples of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

Abuse

Just a few examples of abuse include hitting, slapping, pinching, intentional physical acts that inflict pain or injury.

Neglect

Failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment is consider neglect. The majority of APS cases involve self-neglect among our older Arkansans.

Exploitation

Exploitation is the misuse or theft of property, funds, or assets.

How is Maltreatment Reported?

Report maltreatment, abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Adult Maltreatment Hotline at 1-800-482-8049Call: 1-800-482-8049.

Callers are asked a series of questions to determine if the referred individual meets the criteria for a registered complaint. By law, the reporter’s identity will remain confidential.

Callers are asked:

  • Name, person, and phone number of the person referred
  • Names of family members or others who know about the situation
  • The medical condition of the person referred
  • Description of how the person is being maltreated

After a complaint is accepted by the hotline, a home visit is made by an APS worker, who will:

  • Hold a confidential interview with the client to discuss allegations of maltreatment.
  • Review medication management.
  • Evaluate the person’s needs using a personal assessment tool.
  • Discuss eligibility for public programs.
  • Observe living conditions for safety.

APS workers make every effort to involve family, friends, and community resources to develop a plan of action for the client.