Starting July 1, 2009, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Adult Protective Services program will accept reports on abuse that cover: 1) caregiver neglect; 2) financial exploitation; 3) physical abuse; 4) psychological abuse; 5) self-neglect; and/or 6) sexual abuse.
The new law focuses on "vulnerable" adults instead of "dependent" adults. A vulnerable adult is defined as anyone 18 years or older with a mental, developmental or physical impairment who is also unable to: 1) communicate or make responsible decisions to manage his or her own care or resources; 2) carry out or arrange for essential activities of daily living; or 3) protect oneself from abuse.
Click on the links below to learn more: