Adult Protective Services Program

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services are provided to adults who are 18 years of age or older who are incapacitated and to adult hands persons 60 years of age and older. Adult Protective Services include:

Receipt, investigation, and disposition of complaints and reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The provision of a wide variety of services to stop the mistreatment and prevent further mistreatment.

To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult,

you may call 757-382-2008, Monday through Friday (except holidays)
from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends, you may call 1-800-552-7096.

What are some examples of abuse, neglect and exploitation?

Examples include but are not limited to:

Causing intentional pain or injury
Withholding or failing to provide medication, food or water
Refusal of a caretaker to get medical treatment for the adult
Physically restraining the adult as a means of punishment or for the convenience of the caregiver
Use of the adults money for someone else’s benefit
Sexual abuse
Self neglect

Do I have to report situations that I know about?

Some persons are required by law to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation. These include: health care workers, family services specialists, emergency medical services personnel, mental health workers, law enforcement officers, employees of public or private agencies that serve adults and caregivers who receive pay for providing care to adults. All other persons can and should report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.

What happens when I make an Adult Protective Services report?

An Adult Protective Services family services specialist will make a thorough investigation of the person’s situation to determine if protective services are needed. Our philosophy is to provide the least restrictive intervention necessary to protect the individual and to stabilize and help remedy the situation.

If I give my name when making a report, will it be released to anyone?

As a reporter of a suspected APS situation your name will be kept confidential, unless a court orders the reporter's identity to be revealed.

What happens if the adult does not want a family services specialist to help them?

All adults have the right to make their own decisions and to live the way they choose. If an adult who is reported to be abused, neglected or exploited does not want to talk to a family services specialist or does not want services that are offered, that is their right. A family services specialist can intervene against a person’s will only if a court decides that the person lacks the ability to understand and make their own decisions.

Where are APS investigations conducted?

Investigations are done wherever the adult lives – in their own home, a relative’s home, a group home, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.

To obtain additional information about Adult Protective Services or to request services, please contact the Division of Social Services at 757-382-2008.

Adult Services

Adult Services are designed to allow an adult to remain in the least restrictive setting and function as independently as possible by providing supportive services. Adult Services are provided to adults age 18 and older who have a disability and to their families when appropriate.

Adult Services provided in Chesapeake are:

COMPANION SERVICES	Companion Services are available to income eligible and disabled adults who need help with basic daily living activities such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, bathing and dressing. A family services specialist will complete an assessment to determine if a person is eligible for companion services. There is no charge for the service if an individual is eligible.
NURSING HOME PRE-SCREENINGS	Individuals who are Medicaid eligible or will be Medicaid eligible within 180 days of placement and who are seeking Medicaid long-term care services. There is no charge for the screening.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY ASSESSMENTS	Assessments are completed for persons needing to move into an assisted living facility and will be eligible for Auxiliary Grant payment to help with the cost of care in the facility. A family services specialist will complete the assessment to determine what level of care the individual requires. There is no charge for the assessment.
ADULT FOSTER CARE	Adult foster care is an optional program that provides room, board and supervision and special services to an adult who has a physical or mental health need. Adult Foster Care is provided in private homes approved by Social Services. No more than three (3) persons can be cared for in an Adult Foster Home. A family services specialist will assess the need for Adult Foster Care and consider the availability of homes.
ADULT DAY CARE	The purchase of services from approved providers for a portion of a 24-hour day. Adult Day Care services include personal supervision of the adult and promote social, physical and emotional well-being through companionship, self-education and leisure activities. This is an optional program for localities and Chesapeake has limited purchase funds for this program.

What is the difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home?

Assisted Living Facilities are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services to provide care and maintenance to four or more adults. Adult living facility placement is appropriate when the adult is assessed to need assistance with activities of daily living, administration of medication and/or supervision, but does not require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. Nursing Homes provide all of the assistance listed above in addition to providing specialized nursing care. Nursing Homes are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health.

What is a guardian?

A guardian is a court-appointed individual or agency who is given the authority to make decisions for an adult who is determined incapacitated and unable to make and carry-out their own decisions. A guardian makes decisions about where a person will live, the services they will receive, medical attention/procedures they will have and other aspects of their life. Anyone can petition the Circuit Court to be appointed guardian. Medical documentation regarding the adult’s incapacity is required.

What is a conservator?

A conservator is a court-appointed individual or agency who is given the authority to manage financial assets and property of an adult who is determined to be incapacitated and unable to manage their own affairs.

If I apply for companion services how long will it take me to get a provider?

There are several factors that must be considered in answering this question. The agency has 45 days from the date of application to determine eligibility for the requested services. The State only gives the agency a certain amount of money each year to pay for companion services. Once that money is spent, a waiting list for companion services must be established. Additionally, depending on where the customer lives in Chesapeake, it may take our staff longer to locate a companion provider to serve that area. Man in wheelchair

How do I become a Companion Provider or an Adult Foster Home Provider?

You must contact the Adult Services Unit and speak with the family services specialist that manages the Adult Provider Program. A potential provider must obtain a TB skin test and consent to a Criminal History check. An application must be completed. Approvals/certifications are based on a set of criteria established by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

To obtain additional information about Adult Services or to request services, please contact the Adult Services Unit at 757-382-2008.