Full Definition

Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) is the state program responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults who are 65 and older or who have disabilities and are in situations of risk. APS operates within the Texas HHSC system.

APS investigates cases in two settings: community-based settings (the person’s home or living situation) and institutional settings (nursing facilities, assisted living, group homes). In institutional settings, HHSC’s Long-Term Care Regulatory division may investigate concurrently with APS.

Types of adult abuse and neglect that APS investigates include: physical abuse (hitting, restraining inappropriately), emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, neglect (failure to provide adequate care by a caregiver), self-neglect (when a vulnerable adult fails to provide for their own care), and financial exploitation (theft, fraud, unauthorized use of assets).

Anyone can report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to APS — reports are made to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or online at txabusehotline.org. Reports can be made anonymously. Certain professionals (healthcare workers, social workers, teachers) are mandatory reporters under Texas law.