Adult Protective Services Report of Harm

Overview

If a vulnerable adult is hurt because they were abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected, or are not taking care of themselves, it must be reported to Alaska Protective Services (APS). A report of harm by a Mandated Reporter must be made within 24 hours.

Who qualifies?

Anyone in the community who is worried about a vulnerable adult can report harm.

Mandated Reporters are people required by law to submit a report to APS within 24 hours of learning about harm.

Harm that should be reported includes:

• Abandonment - when a caregiver leaves a vulnerable adult alone and does not take care of them
• Abuse - when someone hurts another person or makes them feel scared or sad on purpose (or without caring if they get hurt), including physical or sexual abuse
• Exploitation - when someone uses a vulnerable person or their things unfairly to benefit themselves, even if the person doesn't agree. This includes when a trusted person lies or scares them into agreeing or does not protect their money as they are supposed to.
• Undue Influence - when someone in a trusted position uses their role to take advantage of a vulnerable adult's trust to control their choices, especially about money or health
• Neglect - when a caregiver does not give a vulnerable adult the basic care they need, like food, shelter, or medical help
• Self-Neglect - is the act or omission by a vulnerable adult that results, or could result, in the deprivation of essential services necessary to maintain minimal mental, emotional, or physical health and safety.

A Mandated Reporter must report any of these issues within 24 hours. If they do not, they could face legal trouble.

How to submit a report

The best way to report harm is to use the state’s online system: 

If you can’t use the website, you can fax a paper form to 907-269-3648 or email to hss.aps@alaska.gov

If you need more help, call APS at 1-800-478-9996 (if you’re in Alaska), or 907-269-3666 and ask for Centralized Reporting

In an emergency, contact local law enforcement first, then report to APS.

After reporting

Confidentiality and liability

Reports of harm of a vulnerable adult:

• Are kept secret and cannot be seen by the public
• May be used by certain agencies inside and outside the state for investigations or court proceedings

People who report harm of a vulnerable adult: 

• Can stay anonymous
• Are protected by law 47.24.120 from getting into trouble

Resources