This program provdes services to adults age 60 and older who live in the community and are in danger of harm, are unable to protect themselves, and have no one else to assist them. County departments of job and family services are mandated to investigate and evaluate all reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults age 60 and over. A worker is responsible for meeting with the client to assess the alleged concerns and linking that client to appropriate services within the community. The department also offers protection and assistance to vulnerable adults age 18 and over.

How to file a report
Reports can be made by telephone, in person, email or by fax. Persons may call (440) 994-2020 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; after hour referrals can leave a voice message. Our fax number is (440) 994-2025 and our email address is ashadultprotectivesvs@odjfs.state.oh.us. The report and the reporter's name are held as confidential.

The report should include the following:

1. The name, address and approximate age of the adult who is subject of the report;
2. The name and address of the individual responsible for the adult's care, if any individual is, and if he/she is known;
3. The nature and extent of the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the adult;
4. The basis of the reporter's belief that the adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited.

Immunity for Person's Reporting
Any person with reasonable cause to believe that an adult is suffering abuse, neglect, or exploitation who makes a report pursuant to this section or who testifies in any administrative or judicial proceeding arising from such a report, or any employee of the state or any of its subdivisions who is discharging responsibilities under section 5101.62 of the Revised Code shall be immune from civil or criminal liability on account of such investigation, report, or testimony, except liability for perjury, unless the person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.  No employer or any other person with authority to do so shall discharge, demote, transfer, prepare a negative work performance evaluation, or reduce benefits, pay, or work privileges, or take any other action detrimental to an employee or in any way retaliate against an employee as a result of the employee’s having filed a report under this section. 

Links
Area Agency on Aging
http://www.distxiaaoa.com/

National Adult Protective Services Association
http://www.apsnetwork.org/

National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.elderabusecenter.org/

National Guardianship Association}
http://www.guardianship.org/

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (APS fact sheet)
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/APS_FactSheet.pdf