2024 EAFC LE Summit Resource Guide (2)

23 E.A.F.C. Law Enforcment Summit Resource Guide |

FAQs

Q: Who is a mandated reporter? A: Any elder or dependent adult care custodian, including an administrator or an employee of any “protective, public, sectarian, mental health, or private assistance or advocacy agency or person providing health services or social services to elders or dependent adults.” W&IC 15630(a) & 15610.17 Q: When to report? A: Any mandated reporter who, in his/her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, has observed or has knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or is told by an elder or dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior constituting abuse, or reasonably suspects abuse, shall report the known or suspected abuse by telephone immediately. W&IC 15630 (b) (1). Q: How do I make a report? A: All Mandated Reporters may now quickly and confidentially electronically file a SOC 341 (Report of Suspected Abuse) or SOC 342 (Report of Suspected Financial Abuse) for all non-emergency reports of abuse or neglect in lieu of telephone call. Online reports are accepted 24/7.

To access the online reporting site, please visit: https://www.reporttoaps.org

Q: If I make a report, will my identity remain confidential? A: The identity of any person who reports under W&IC 15633.5(b)chapter shall be confidential and disclosed only among the following agencies:

• Adult Protective Services • Community Care Licensing • Long-Term Care Ombudsman • Law Enforcement/D.A. • Public Guardian/Probate Court • Department of Consumer Affairs - Division of Investigation

Q: How quickly will a worker respond? A: Response times will vary depending on the level of risk but no later than 10 days from the date the report was made. Q: What constitutes an emergency response case? A: Emergency response cases generally involve immediate life threat, imminent danger and/or current crisis. Q: Can APS remove someone from their home? A: Only on a voluntary basis. If the elder or dependent adult is competent and understands the risks of staying in an unsafe environment/situation, he/she has the right to self-determination. Q: Can APS assist with identifying housing for homeless individuals? A: APS collaborates with community partners to identify possible housing options when appropriate. APS may not be able to provide immediate housing solutions. Q: How do I obtain an update on a report I called in? A: If you have made a report, you may contact the hotline – 800-491-7123 to request an update. It is recommended that the caller be prepared to provide their reference number when making the call. Q: How do I request records for my investigation? A: Written records may be requested by completing the Adult Protective Services (APS) Custodian of Records Request Form (included in this guide) and submitting it to ASD_Admin_Support@rivco.org