Adult Protective Services helps people over the age of 18 who, because of physical or mental impairments, are unable to provide for their own needs or protect themselves from abuse or neglect, and have no one who can responsibly assist them.
Services are designed to prevent or remedy neglect, exploitation or abuse, to strengthen clients’ capacity to function and their ability to be self-directing and to help clients to remain in the community.
Services may include:
- counseling
- locating adequate shelter
- arranging transportation
- shopping for the homebound
- assisting the client in obtaining benefits.
Guardianships, under Article 81 of the Mental Health Hygiene Law, are maintained for protective clients who do not have decision-making capacity.
The Personal Care Program provides home care services for Medicaid-eligible participants who have a verified medical diagnosis that prevents them from being able to remain in their homes without assistance.
Central Intake is a collaboration which provides access to all DSS Adult Services and Office for the Aging Programs.