Adult Protective Services (APS)
Overview
Protective services for adults (PSA) are provided to assist people 18 years or older whose physical or mental impairments prevent them from meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, and are unable to protect themselves from neglect, abuse, or dangerous situations. Every effort is made to keep individuals in the community or in the least restrictive environment. In response to the referral, a home visit is made and an assessment completed. In order to do that, the APS workers collaborate with other community agencies that could provide needed services.
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Eligibility
Eighteen years or older with all three of the following characteristics:
- A mental or physical disability
- The individual is at risk of harm either by his/her own or others’ actions and
- The individual has no one willing or able to responsibly assist.
Referral Process
Call (315) 366-2211 between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday to make a referral. You may choose to have your call remain confidential or you may remain anonymous.
Alternatively, fax your concerns to (315) 366-3039 or write us at:
Adult Protective Services
Madison County Department of Social Services
PO Box 637, Wampsville, New York 13163
Be sure to include the name of the individual that you are concerned about, the individual’s address, and what your concern is and how we could reach you for any further information.
What Can Adult Protective Services Offer?
- Investigation
- Assessment
- Counseling
- Case Management
- Advocacy
- Money Management
- Housing Referrals
- Crisis Intervention
- Short-Term Involuntary Protective Service Orders (imminent risk of death or serious physical harm)
- Admission to a psychiatric facility in conjunction with mental health professionals and/or the police to a person at risk of harm to himself or others
- Short-Term Involuntary Protective Service Orders (imminent risk of death or serious physical harm)
- Orders of Protection (assist in obtaining)
- Guardianship: Petition the court when APS Supportive Services are not enough to ensure safety due to legal incompetence
Rights of an Individual Referred for Protective Services for Adults
Adults have the right to make their own decisions. They may choose to accept or refuse the services APS offers. In cases of extreme risk or diminished capacity to make decisions due to physical or mental disorders, APS may intervene against the person’s will to protect the individual.