Fillmore County’s Adult Protection Unit provides assessment and protective services to stop or prevent maltreatment of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation while safeguarding the welfare of the vulnerable adult. MN Adult Protection PSA- 30 seconds
A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:
- Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
- Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care or other licensed care facility
- Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance or other licensed services.
Maltreatment includes:
- Abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, use of restraints, involuntary seclusion or punishment
- Neglect, including failure to provide the food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision necessary to maintain the person’s health, safety, or comfort. Neglect may be by a caregiver or service provider, or because the vulnerable adult cannot meet their own needs
- Financial exploitation, including theft or withholding of money or property and/or use of money or property not for the vulnerable adult's benefit.
Reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment are screened within 24 hours. If the report meets the criteria of Maltreatment and the person meets the statutory definition of a vulnerable adult, an adult protection investigation will be initiated. Social Workers will determine the vulnerable adults’ safety, level of risk, strengths, and on-going needs. Ongoing adult services will be provided if determined necessary. Related services may include, but not limited to case management, crisis intervention, and ongoing service connection for supportive services. Social Services will involve the court via a Guardian/Conservator petition if deemed necessary.
Reporting Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults
Anyone can make a report concerning the safety of a vulnerable adult. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) provides a toll-free number, 1-844-880-1574, for the general public to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults.
Mandated Reporters
Mandated reporters, including law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals, can use a web-based online reporting system. The online mandated reporting form asks for information about the vulnerable adult, suspected maltreatment and alleged perpetrator. When the completed form is submitted, mandated reporters will receive a report reference number for their records. Mandated reporters can download, save and print a copy of their report.
https://registrations.dhs.state.mn.us/WebManRpt/Reporting19.html
Reporting by phone remains an option for mandated reporters. Please call MAARC at 1-844-880-1574.
If you are reporting an emergency that requires immediate assistance from the law enforcement, fire department or an ambulance, call 911 first, and then call MAARC.
Minnesota encourages good faith reporting of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults by any person. If you make a report, your identity is confidential and will not be released without a court order.
