The Warren County, Ohio Department of Human Services is the mandated agency responsible for providing protective services for those adults sixty (60) years of age or older at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Any referral of an adult at risk will be investigated and screened by the Adult Protective Service Worker. The Adult Protective Service Worker work with the adult, family and neighbors to reduce or eliminate any risk and arrange for services to assist the adult to remain safely in his/her home.
Protective services such as:
- Casework
- Medical Care
- Guardianship and Legal Services
- Food
- Clothing
- In-Home Care
are all utilized to prevent or reduce conditions causing endangerment to the older adult. If it is determined that the adult is incapacitated or unable to remain safely in his/her home, then the APS worker will work to determine the least restrictive setting and, if necessary, petition the probate court for assistance in protecting the adult.
WHAT TYPES OF THINGS ARE CONSIDERED NEGLECT?
Abuse is the infliction upon an adult (by one’s self or others) of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain or mental anguish. Maltreatment includes neglect, exploitation, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
Neglect is the failure of an adult to provide the goods or services necessary for his or her own safety and/or well being, such as avoiding physical harm, mental anguish or mental illness, or the failure of a caretaker to provide such goods and services.
Exploitation is the unlawful or improper act of a caretaker using an adult or his/her resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain.
Physical abuse includes pushing, hitting, slapping, pinching and other ways of physically harming a person. It can also mean placing an individual in incorrect positions, force feeding, restraining, or giving medication without their knowledge.
Emotional Abuse occurs when an elderly person is threatened, humiliated, intimidated or otherwise psychologically hurt.
Sexual Abuse includes rape or other unwanted sexual contact, but it can also mean forced or coerced nudity, exhibitionism, and other non-touching sexual situations.
HOW DO I REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION?
If you would like more information on the Adult Protective Service Program, or if you wish to make a referral regarding an adult 60 years or older, living in the community who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, please contact the agency at 513-695-1423.
If it is a life threatening emergency please call 911. If it is an urgent matter and you are trying to contact Adult Protective Services between the hours of 5:30 pm- 7:00 am Monday through Friday, weekends or holidays, please call the after- hours hotline number at 513-695-1546.
When reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation please provide the following information regarding the adult who may be at risk:
- The persons first and last name (please spell the last name).
- Date of Birth: individuals must be 60 years or older.
- The persons full address, please include city and zip codes. Clients must reside within Warren County.
- The reason for concern. Please provide the reason for your concern, including as much detail as possible.
Adult Protective Services Referral Form
Elderly Services Program
A Guide for Preventing Elder Abuse, Assault, and Theft
50 Safety Tips for Seniors
Please watch this informative video titled Color My World Free From Elder Abuse, Published by NAPSRC (National Adult Protective Services Resource Center)