How Can I Help?

APS helps protect vulnerable adults by working with partners and the community. You can make a difference by recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Volunteers also play a key role in helping these adults, so giving your time, money, or both can go a long way. Learn more about reporting and volunteering.

Report Suspected Abuse, Neglect, or Financial Exploitation

If you think a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, Texas law requires you to report it to DFPS. These reports are protected by law. If someone fails to report a suspected case, he or she may face a misdemeanor or felony charge.

If you have any doubts about whether or not something may be maltreatment, call the hotline at
1-800-252-5400.

Texas law requires that suspected cases of abuse be reported.

Abuse comes in all forms: physical, sexual and emotional.

What is Abuse?

Common types of abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Neglect often leaves adults without basic necessities like food, housing and clean water.

What is Neglect?

Neglect can include a lack of necessities such as food, clean water, safe shelter, clean clothing, good hygiene, and essential medical care.

Financial exploitation of an older adult is often from a loved one and caregiver.

What is Financial Exploitation?

Financial exploitation is using or attempting to use the money, property, or identity of vulnerable adults for personal gain or benefit without their informed consent.

Making a Report

Helpful Information to Have

Your name and contact information.
The name, age, and address of the person you suspect is a victim of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
The names of others living in the home or anyone who might have information about the situation.
Brief information about what is happening to the person you suspect is a victim of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
Any known injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems.

Share Safety Concerns

If you are aware of any of the following things happening in the home or with the victim, be sure to report it.

Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol abuse
Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
Weapons
Gang involvement
People, pets, or conditions that could be a danger

What happens after I make a report?

With each report, our process includes:

Confirming we have the authority to investigate the situation.
Determining if the adult meets the definition of a client.
Assessing the severity and threat of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Meeting with the client to assess his or her risk of harm and level of safety.
Determining whether immediate interventions are necessary.
Contacting and working with law enforcement as necessary.
Helping clients stay independent and safe.
Referring clients to local services and resources.
Making sure clients have basic necessities to meet their short-term needs. Arranging, if needed, for shelter, minor home repairs, food, transportation, money management services, medical care, and home health care services.

There are many ways to help elder adults living alone.

Confidentiality

Texas law states that DFPS cannot share the reporter's name. A person who makes a report in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability.

Get Involved in Your Community

Protecting vulnerable adults is everyone's responsibility. Community partners and volunteers give their time and energy to help APS protect the lives of the people who need it most. Volunteer for APS in your community.

You can donate blankets, canned food, pet food, and household items to a local APS Resource room, or create a Resource Room or food pantry if one is not available in your area. Join or start a resource room.

You can also help by joining a group or volunteering on your own. It could be as easy as helping a neighbor with his or her lawn, picking up groceries, or stopping by to say hello.

More Ways To Help:

Volunteer for your local Meals on Wheels.
Help friends, family, or neighbors who are dealing with Alzheimer's. (HHS Resources and Support for Family Caregivers)
Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging to find out about volunteer needs.
Get to know your neighbor so you can recognize any possible warning signs.
Run errands for your neighbor.
Provide transportation for your neighbor.
Send holiday and birthday cards to those living alone.
Help with pet care: walk, brush, or bathe a dog, drive a pet to the vet, or visit with the pet and owner.
Give a caregiver a break by staying with their loved one.
Form a home improvement group with coworkers, friends, or family to help with home tasks: yard work, building ramps, house painting, roof repairs, and minor electrical, plumbing, and carpentry repairs.