What is APS?
Overview:
Adult Protective Services is mandated by N.C. General Statute 108A to evaluate reports of abuse, caretaker neglect, self-neglect and/or exploitation of consumers that:
- are 18 years of age and older who for purposes reside in Onslow County.
- are disabled, meaning the consumer cannot complete daily activities or handle his/her affairs or protect interests.
- are being abused, neglected by caretaker(s), self-neglecting and/or exploited.
- have no one willing, able and responsible to obtain essential services.
- unable and unwilling to obtain essential services him or herself.
If an Adult Protective Services (APS) report meets the criteria above and is accepted as an evaluation, the APS worker has up to 72 hours to initiate the evaluation depending on the urgency of the consumer’s situation.
The APS worker then has up to 30 days to complete a thorough evaluation of cases of abuse and neglect and up to 45 days in case of exploitation. Please note that during evaluation, the APS worker cannot provide direct services.
Finally, if the APS worker substantiates that the consumer is disabled, and is being abused, neglected, and/or exploited and in need of protective services after the thorough evaluation is conducted, the APS worker can mobilize services.
Agency Information:
Onslow County Adult Protective Services receives reports of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation through the APS Intake Line. If you have information that an Onslow County consumer, who is disabled, is being abused, neglected and/or exploited and has no one that is willing to advocate for him or her, or cannot advocated for himself or herself, please call 910-219-1955.
If APS criteria are not met or you are calling to seek information regarding community resources for an adult, the Intake worker will do his or her best to direct you appropriately and compassionately.
Additional Resources:
Public mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services are managed by Trillium Health Resources 24-Hour Access to Care Line: 1-877-685-2415
Crisis situations are often best resolved in the client’s home setting and the Mobile Crisis Team is available:
24 hours a day
7 days a week to respond to urgent situations
They have an average response time of two hours
Professionals will speak with the client and caregivers during a visit
This service is provided by: Integrated Family Services 1-866-437-1821