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Adult Care & Protective Services
Supporting Adults Through Compassionate Services
Adult Social Services provides support to older adults and adults with disabilities so they can manage daily life, access essential services, and maintain stability in the community. The focus is on promoting well-being, addressing challenges that affect safety or health, and helping individuals stay connected to the resources that fit their needs. Staff partner with families, caregivers, and local agencies to guide residents through services that strengthen independence and overall quality of life.
Support for Safe Living Arrangements
Adult Placement Services help older adults and adults with disabilities find safe, appropriate living arrangements when they can no longer remain at home. Staff assist with medical and financial paperwork, explore housing options, and support individuals as they move to or from adult care homes, nursing homes, or other residential settings. Services also help adults adjust to new living environments and return to more independent settings when possible.
When Placement Services Can Help
- When someone cannot live safely at home, even with family or community supports.
- When a resident in a care facility needs to move because their level of care has changed.
- When an adult is ready to return to a more independent setting.
- When an individual or family needs support adjusting to or maintaining a placement.
Safety and Advocacy for Older and Disabled Adults
If you are concerned about the safety of an older adult or an adult with disabilities, please contact Social Services or local authorities.
Adult Protective Services (APS) responds when an older adult or an adult with disabilities may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Staff review reports, assess safety concerns, and work with the adult, family, or caregivers to reduce risk and connect them with needed support. APS can help any vulnerable adult in danger, regardless of income.
How APS Helps
- Reviews and evaluates reports of possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Works with the adult and caregivers to develop a plan that reduces risk.
- Reports confirmed mistreatment to the District Attorney and regulatory agencies.
- Initiates court action when needed to protect the adult.
- Connects the adult to essential services that support safety and well-being.
Decision-Making Support for Vulnerable Adults
Guardianship Services assist adults who are unable to make important decisions or manage personal affairs due to a disability or cognitive impairment. When a court determines that an adult cannot safely manage their own care, a guardian may be appointed to help with daily living, medical decisions, and financial matters. When no appropriate family or community guardian is available, Social Services directors may be appointed to serve in that role.
Guardianship is established through a legal process and is considered only when less restrictive options are not enough to support the adult’s safety and well-being. Guardians do not use personal funds for the adult’s care and are not responsible for the adult’s debts.
Services
- Evaluating whether guardianship may be needed.
- Helping families understand the legal process and complete required documents.
- Identifying an appropriate guardian for the adult.
- Providing ongoing case oversight when Social Services is appointed as guardian.
What a Guardian Does
- Makes decisions about where the adult will live.
- Authorizes medical treatment and manages financial matters when assigned.
- Submits required reports and updates to the court.