Vulnerable adult protection and elder abuse

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Adult protection in Minnesota helps keep vulnerable adults safe from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. It explains who may be a vulnerable adult and how to report elder abuse or other concerns.

MAARC – Adult Abuse Reporting 1-844-880-1574

Adult protection helps keep vulnerable adults safe from abuse, neglect and financial harm. Learn who may be a vulnerable adult and how to report concerns.

Report adult abuse or neglect

Everyone needs help sometimes

Public service announcement

As Minnesotans, we look out for each other. It’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Services and other state agencies, along with counties and communities across the state, work to promote safety and well-being for all. But you can’t solve every problem by yourself. That’s why we’re here, doing our best to help make sure those in need are safe and supported.

This video is available with audio description on the Minnesota Department of Human Services YouTube channel.

If you suspect something is wrong, speak up

If you suspect something is wrong, speak up. One conversation could change someone’s life.

The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) provides a toll-free number, 1-844-880-1574, for the general public to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults. Mandated reporters – including law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals – can use a web-based reporting system. Call 911 first if you are reporting an emergency that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, fire department or an ambulance.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC)     Mandated reporters

Report abuse of a vulnerable adult

Definitions of vulnerable adult and maltreatment

A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:

  • Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
  • Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care or other licensed care facility
  • Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance or other licensed services.

Maltreatment includes:

  • Abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, use of restraints, involuntary seclusion or punishment
  • Neglect, , including failure to provide the food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision necessary to maintain the person’s health, safety, or comfort. Neglect may be  by a caregiver or service provider, or because the vulnerable adult cannot meet their own needs 
  • Financial exploitation, including theft or withholding of money or property and/or use of money or property not for the vulnerable adult's benefit.

Reporting suspected maltreatment

Report suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Minnesota encourages good faith reporting of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults by any person. If you make a report, your identity is confidential and cannot be released without a court order.

What happens after reporting?

MAARC refers all reports of suspected maltreatment to the agency or agencies responsible for responding. The lead agency responsible for investigative response is determined by the relationship between the vulnerable adult and the person alleged to be responsible for the maltreatment.

  • Allegations involving hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and home care agencies are referred to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC). Contact information: 651-201-4201 or by emailing OHFC.
  • Allegations involving adult foster care, group homes or services licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) are referred to DHS Licensing Division. Contact information: 651-431-6600 or by emailing DHS Licensing Division.
  • Allegations of self-neglect by a vulnerable adult, or allegations that do not involve a facility or service licensed by DHS or MDH, are referred to the county social services agency in the county where the vulnerable adult is currently located.

Reports that may be a crime are also referred to law enforcement.

Information contained in reports of suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult made to MAARC is confidential under Minnesota law. MAARC cannot provide information about a report to anyone, including the reporter, once a report is completed. Once a report is referred to the agency responsible, different parts of the law cover how information in the report can be shared, but the identity of the reporter remains protected. Contact the county or state agency responsible for the report for questions about a completed report.

Lead investigative agency contacts

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

  • When the allegation involves a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, home care agency or other provider licensed by MDH
  • 651-201-4200 or health.fpc-web@state.mn.us

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

County social services agency

When the allegation involves a family member, friend, financial scam, PCA, or unlicensed provider or person

County or tribal office directory

Mandated reporters

Mandated reporters include law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals. Mandated reporters can use an online reporting tool. When the completed form is submitted, mandated reporters will receive a report reference number for their records. Mandated reporters can download, save and print a copy of their report.

Reporting by phone remains an option for mandated reporters. More information for mandated reporters can be found on the Department of Human Services Partners and Providers, Adult Protection website.