Services Provided

• Investigation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults (18- 59) with a disability and older adults (60 +). The goal of investigations is to support a self-autonomy through linking to protective services or to provide protection and services for persons who are not competent and are in need of protection.
• Proactive outreach for vulnerable populations to receive faster services, prevent crises, and connect to needed community resources and referrals.

• Court Services:
  • APS will act as petitioner for civil court services including guardianships and protective placements as an outcome of an investigation in order to protect and access services on the behalf of adults/elder adults at risk that are not competent or capable of providing for their own care.
  • Upon request, APS staff will complete Comprehensive Evaluations for privately filed petitions for Protective Placement that are filed in Waukesha County. Requests for completion of Comprehensive Evaluations can be made by contacting the ADRC main number (262-548-7848) and requesting to speak with APS Intake.
  • APS staff provide an annual review (WATTS Review) of persons under guardianships who are protectively placed to ensure that placement and services are provided in the least restrictive level of care.
  • APS staff may act as petitioner for Waukesha County residents who are Medicaid eligible and/or have no involved family that require guardianship and protective placement for their essential care and custody.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

1. Physical Abuse: Non-accidental use of force resulting in physical injury or mental harm.

2. Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation.

3. Emotional Abuse: Willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish.

4. Neglect by Caregiver: Failure of a caregiver to fulfill their responsibilities, such as providing food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or personal care.

5. Self-Neglect: An individual's inability to provide their own care due to physical or mental impairments.

6. Financial Exploitation: Misuse of an adult's funds, property, or resources, including fraud, embezzlement, forgery, coerced property transfers, or denial of asset access.