The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office is the hub prosecutor’s office for Region 6 Adult Protective Services. Region 6 includes Madison County, Delaware County, Grant County, Henry County, Jay County, Randolph County, and Blackford County.

The Adult Protective Services program was established to investigate reports and provided intervention and protection to vulnerable adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. APS investigators operate out of offices of county prosecutors throughout the state.

If the APS unit has reason to believe that an individual is an endangered adult, the adult protective services unit shall investigate the complaint or cause the complaint to be investigated by law enforcement or other agency and make a determination as to whether the individual reported is an endangered adult. To be eligible for service under this program, an individual must be a resident of the state of Indiana, 18 years of age or older, physically or mentally incapacitated and reported as abused, neglected, or exploited.

ALL PERSONS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPORT ALL CASES OF SUSPECTED ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR EXPLOITATION TO EITHER THE NEAREST APS OFFICE OR TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. ALL REPORTS ARE SECURE AND KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

Individuals may file a report online or by calling the state hotline at 800-992-6978 or by calling any of the field offices listed below.

If an endangered adult is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1 or call the police immediately!

What is an endangered adult?

An endangered adult is someone 18 years or older who is incapable of managing his or her property or providing the provision of self-care due to the following reasons:

• Mental Illness
• Mental Retardation
• Dementia
• Habitual drunkenness or drug use
• Other physical or mental incapacitation

In most cases, the endangered adult is put in harm’s way as a result of neglect, battery, or exploitation of personal services or property. Examples of harmful actions include physical abuse, non-verbal and verbal threats, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. Instances that involve elderly or dependent adults who have been abandoned by caretakers or who have failed to take care of their own basic needs require the attention of APS as well.

What is the role of Adult Protective Services?

Adult Protective Services investigates or alerts law enforcement or any other agency on allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of endangered adults. APS investigators can take legal action to protect an endangered adult. Investigators can also use medical, psychiatric, legal, and social service resources in the community to protect the health and safety of the endangered adult.

Can I be civilly or criminally liable for reporting an endangered adult or testifying?

A person who in good faith makes a report of an endangered adult or who testifies at administrative or judicial proceedings on matters arising from the report is immune from both civil and criminal liability for doing so.

What are the benefits to reporting abuse?

• The endangered adult will be given options to keep him/her safe from harm
• The Adult Protective Services worker can link the adult and family to needed community resources
• Family members and friends who are unaware may be alerted and step in to help
• The APS worker can find ways to help the caregiver handle stress
• A perpetrator of abuse may be prosecuted, preventing harm to others
• Reporting suspected abuse allows a professional to follow up and assess the situation.

Is my report confidential?

The identity of all persons who report is confidential. Violation of statutory confidentiality may result in a criminal misdemeanor charge. Adult Protective Services may reveal the names of reporting parties only to other investigative agencies as specified by law.

How do I make a report?

Call us at 765-608-5226, or call the state hotline at 1-800-992-6978. You can also visit us at our office located at 16 E. 9th St. Anderson, IN 46016.