FAQs • Can APS place people in facilities against their will

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Tuolumne County, CA

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Can APS place people in facilities against their will?: No, APS cannot make a person enter a facility. APS can assist persons who are willing to enter a board and care or skilled nursing facility.

Adult Protective Services

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1. Does any adult qualify for APS services?: No. To qualify for APS services, one must have a protective need and be over the age of 65 years, or between 18 and 64 years with limitations to his or her activities of daily living (ADL).

2. Can APS place people in facilities against their will?: No, APS cannot make a person enter a facility. APS can assist persons who are willing to enter a board and care or skilled nursing facility.

3. Can APS take elders into protective custody?: The process of placement of elder or dependent adults into protective custody may differ from county to county, and requires a resolution by the county’s Board of Supervisors. The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors has not adopted this resolution.

4. Is APS confidential?: An individual’s APS case is confidential. The reporting party of an APS case is also kept confidential, and APS can only release the identity of a reporting party at the direction of the Court. Collateral contacts may be questioned regarding their level of involvement, or to gather additional information as it relates to allegations and findings.

5. Does APS go to homes unannounced?: Yes. An APS investigation usually starts with an unannounced home visit. If an individual self-reports, a visit can be prearranged. If there is a concern that an unannounced visit might result in harm to the individual, APS will try to prearrange a meeting at an alternate location.