Adult Protective Services
What is APS?
The Adult Protective Services program was established to receive and investigate reports regarding adults within the state of Indiana who may be endangered and, as appropriate, to coordinate a proper response to protect endangered adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
APS field investigators operate out of the offices of county prosecutors throughout the state. If the APS unit has reason to believe that an individual who is 18 years or older is an endangered adult, the unit shall investigate the complaint or cause the complaint to be investigated by law enforcement or other agencies and decide as to whether the individual reported is an endangered adult.
Ready to Report?
If you are ready to report a suspected case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving an adult in Cass County, please visit our reporting page.
After a Report is Submitted
After a report is submitted it is sent to the director of the local APS unit, who will determine the appropriate next step. APS will keep your report confidential and will not disclose your name without a court order or the consent of all parties named in the report. If APS conducts an investigation, an investigator may contact you for additional information; however, APS does not discuss ongoing investigations and will not provide you with information regarding the details or the status of the investigation.
Please understand that when adults can make their own decisions, they may refuse services and have the right to do so. APS has no authority to force a fully cognizant adult to do anything against their will.
Message From Cass County Prosecutor
“As the average age of Americans continues to rise, instances of elder abuse have increased into a national epidemic. There are almost one million people in Indiana aged 65 and over, and that number is growing. Indiana Adult Protective units investigated 14,189 cases of at risk adults for abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is the responsibility of the state, the judicial system, law enforcement, health care providers, social service agencies, and our communities to protect the health and welfare of this vulnerable group. Our APS team is committed to addressing the needs of elders and adults with disabilities who are the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and to prevent such abuse whenever possible. All people, regardless of age or disability, should be able to live independently, participate fully in their communities, have the right to make choices and control the decisions in and about their lives.” Noah Schafer - Cass County Prosecutor
Who Qualifies as an Endangered Adult?
- Someone who is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
- Someone rendered incapable because of mental illness, intellectual disability, dementia, habitual ]drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, or other physical or mental incapacities, of managing or directing the management of the individual’s property or providing self-care; and
- Someone harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:
- Neglect;
- Battery; or
- Exploitation of the individual’s services or property.
- Someone who fits the definition above as a product of self-neglect.