1-800-482-8049 – Adult Maltreatment Hotline
Report Adult Maltreatment Online Here
What is Adult Protective Services (APS)?
Adult Protective services housed in the Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services within the Department of Human Services, is mandated by state law to investigate maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people age 18 and older, who are:
- Impaired by mental or physical disease, and as a result, cannot protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Endangered, which means, found in a situation or condition that poses a danger to themselves and does not understand the consequences of staying in that situation or condition.
While APS investigates maltreatment complaints of individuals residing in the community, The Office of Long Term Care handles complaints of individuals residing in long-term care facilities.
To learn more, visit the links below:
- Adult Maltreatment
- Population Served
- Dementia
- Mandated Reporters of Adult Abuse
- Families and Dementia
- Adult Protective Services Brochure
Staff
| Name | Title | Phone | |
| Natasha Lucas | Director | (870) 367-6835 ext 1357 | [email protected] |
| Terri Teel | Program Administrator | (870) 925-4062 | [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for making reports of abuse?
Anyone whose employment or volunteerism places them in contact with Arkansas adults who can be impaired or endangered. Anyone who has a reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment.
Do I have to give my name when reporting?
No, you don’t have to provide your name to make a report. However, providing your name and contact information can assist APS during an investigation if additional information is needed. Mandated reporters are encouraged to provide contact information.
Information regarding the reporter is confidential and only disclosed by court order to prevent or prosecute a crime.
What information do I need to make a report?
- Name of the alleged victim
- Location of the alleged victim
- Impairments of the alleged victim
- Details regarding the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation
What happens after reports are made?
- The report is screened to determine if the allegations meet the agency’s criteria for an investigation.
- Reports that meet the agency’s criteria will be assigned to an investigator.
- Investigations are initiated, depending on the risk of harm.
Priority 1 within 24 hours
Priority 2 within 7 calendar days
Priority 3 within 10 calendar days
Adults have the right to make decisions that do not conform to societal norms. Adults have the right to accept or refuse services.
How do I find out the status of an investigation?
APS investigations are confidential. Therefore, the status or outcome of the investigation may not be shared or released. However, certain information may be shared with the alleged victim and/or his or her legal guardian, medical professionals, or law enforcement.
How can I get a copy of an APS investigation?
APS investigations are confidential. Only the APS client, his or her legal guardian, and the alleged offender may request a copy of the APS investigation. The request form is found here, and must be completed and mailed to:
Adult Protective Service Unit
PO Box 1437 Slot W-240
Little Rock, AR 72203