Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) provides services to prevent and remedy abuse. APS strives to reduce risk, maintain and enhance quality of life, promote self-sufficiency and respect the right to self-determination.
Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal and State laws. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is the Federal legislation that provides minimum standards that States must incorporate in their statutory definitions of child abuse and neglect. The CAPTA definition of "child abuse and neglect" refers to:
"Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."
The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent or person with lawful custody to surrender a baby confidentially, without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. This law allows for at least a 14-day cooling off period, which begins the day the child is voluntarily surrendered. During this period, the person who surrendered the child can return to the hospital to reclaim the child.
Probate Conservatorships are primarily established for adults who are incapable of making decisions for themselves or managing their own finances or resisting fraud and undue influence. Most often, the adults served by the Probate Division cannot care for themselves due to dementia, traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive impairments.