Vulnerable adult protection and elder abuse

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Report suspected vulnerable adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation

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

Everyone needs help sometimes

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.

Minnesota Adult Protection PSA - video

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.

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 at 1-844-880-1574 which is open 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?

All reports of suspected maltreatment received by MAARC are referred to the agencies responsible to respond. The agency responsible depends on the relationship between the vulnerable adult and the person alleged responsible, if there is an immediate social service need for the vulnerable adult, and if the report contains information which may also be criminal. Lead investigative agencies are county adult protective services, Minnesota Department of Health, or Minnesota Department of Human Services. Reports are reviewed by the lead investigative agency to determine if emergency protective services are needed. Reports that include an alleged 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.
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.

Vulnerable adult protection and elder abuse

Report suspected vulnerable adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation

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

Everyone needs help sometimes

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