Office of Public Guardianship

Concerned About An Adult?

Call Adult Protective Services (APS)

As soon as you have reason to believe that abuse is occurring, call for help. You do not need absolute proof to report suspected abuse nor do you need to give your name.

To report abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in Washington State, call the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) toll-free EndHarm hotline anytime day or night at 1-866-363-4276. ENDHARM is TTY accessible. (A TTY is a special device that lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use the telephone to communicate, by allowing them to type messages back and forth to one another instead of talking and listening).

When you call the hotline, you will speak with a real person who will connect you to the direct, local number to make your report. You can also call directly during business hours. Call:

• the Complaint Resolution Unit toll-free hotline at 1-800-562-6078 if the person that you suspect is being abused or neglected is living in a nursing home, boarding home, or adult family home.
• the Adult Protective Services (APS) office in your county if the person that you suspect is being abused is living in their own home or somewhere other than a residential care facility. Find the APS office in your county. Learn more about what happens after you call APS.

If it's an emergency and the person is in immediate danger, call the police.

When you call

You will be asked to give the person's name, address, contact information and details about why you are concerned. You will also be asked for your name and phone number or some way of contacting you if the investigator has follow up questions. Unless there is a court action, law enforcement has been called in, or you agree, your identity is confidential. If you report in good faith, you cannot be held liable for any damages resulting from reporting.

Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders

In July 2007, law changes provided additional options for Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders under RCW 74.34. These orders can protect an adult vulnerable due to mental or physical disability who is victimized by abandonment, abuse or financial exploitation. Now an interested person can seek relief in court even when the vulnerable adult is unable or unwilling to seek help. This option may provide quick access to orders protecting the person from further abuse or exploitation. Mandatory forms to use for these cases are on the court website.