Adult Protective Services
An Adult Protective Services' social worker evaluates referrals when there are allegations of harm to a disabled adult from abuse, neglect and/or exploitation and that person has no one willing, responsible or able to obtain or perform essential services for him/her. The Department of Social Services works in collaboration with other agencies in the community such as the Health Department, VA Hospital, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, Mental Health, Senior Services, Hospice, Home Health Agencies, and others to gather information during evaluation of need for protective services and to set up services during treatment.
INFORMATION NEEDED TO MAKE A REPORT:
- The adult's name
- The adult's address and directions to the home
- Age or birth date
- Phone number
- Does the client live alone? If not, who else is in the home?
- Has anyone assumed responsibility of the adult as a caretaker? If so, we need that person's name, address, phone number and relationship to the client.
- Is the adult disabled? What is the disability? How does the disability limit the adult's ability to care for himself/herself?
- Has the adult been harmed in any way?
- Is there someone who is willing and able to obtain services or perform services for the disabled adult?
- Is there anyone else who knows the circumstances who can give additional information?
- Are there potential risks to anyone going into the home? Are there weapons in the home? Are there animals that might be harmful to a stranger entering the home or yard? Does the house have serious structural problems like floors or porches that are rotted and unsafe to walk on?
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
- All information is confidential.
- You can make an anonymous complaint but you will receive no information about whether the complaint was accepted for evaluation.
- Reporters for whom we have name and address will receive written notification of the decision made on the report. All other information is confidential and cannot be released to the reporter.
- If the adult is dangerous to himself or others, he/she needs involuntary commitment. Anyone who has first-hand knowledge of the individual and the situation can go to the magistrate’s office in the county in which the client resides and petition for examination for commitment. Bring with you to the magistrate’s office, information including individual’s name, age, correct street address and first-hand information. Examination for involuntary commitment reports may be made by a family member, a neighbor, agency working directly with the client, or a friend. Filing a report does not guarantee commitment. If the Magistrate accepts the report, the client will be taken to a qualified professional who will determine the need for commitment. Commitment information may be obtained from Daymark Recovery Services at 704-633-3616. It is not necessary to report the need for commitment to Rowan County Department of Social Services when there is someone who has knowledge of the situation and can file the petition.