Adult Protection System

This post discusses new provisions under Session Law 2025-27, Part V, which take effect November 1, 2025. These changes expand the authority of magistrates and district court judges to act in emergency situations involving disabled adults.

This post explores state and federal laws that may require the disclosure of otherwise confidential adult protective services information. It highlights circumstances where disclosure is mandated and identifies who may have a right to access APS records.

This flow chart guides DSS directors, social workers, attorneys, and court officials through adult protective services (APS) court procedures, including orders for protective and emergency services, and ex parte emergency orders.

This resource describes a five-step decision-making process to assist adult protective services (APS) staff at county departments of social services in determining when disclosure of APS information is permitted by state and federal confidentiality laws.

This manual serves as a foundational legal resource for public officials working to address adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This primer illustrates some of the connections and workflows that can exist in North Carolina’s adult protection system.

A high-level overview of the APS process in North Carolina, beginning with a report of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the county social services agency.

A summary of key confidentiality laws that apply when different components of the adult protection system want to share information with one another.