Elder Abuse Brochure Template
A brochure for professionals to use to educate members of the public on identifying and responding to elder abuse. The brochure contains a fillable form into which users can insert local contact information. To print as a foldable brochure, choose the option to “print on both sides of paper” and to “flip on short edge” options from your printer’s settings.
Public Brochure - Download PDF
Reporting Elder Abuse
A summary overview of several laws that require reporting related to suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, including more detailed information regarding specific reporting requirements applicable to employees and volunteers in mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse facilities. The guide also includes phone numbers for all 100 county social services agencies in North Carolina.
Reporting Elder Abuse - Download PDF

Reporting Abuse FAQs

What can someone do if they make an adult protective services (APS) report and the county department of social services does not accept the report for evaluation (this is sometimes also referred to as “screening out” the report)?Kristy Preston2026-06-23T11:40:53-04:00

What can someone do if they make an adult protective services (APS) report and the county department of social services does not accept the report for evaluation (this is sometimes also referred to as “screening out” the report)?

There is no formal process for requesting a review when a county department of social services (DSS) determines that a report does not meet the criteria to be accepted for an APS evaluation. However, individuals who believe a report was improperly screened out have several options.

Options include:

Contact the APS social worker or supervisor. The reporter may ask for clarification regarding the APS screening criteria. If important information was omitted or misunderstood, the reporter can provide additional details for consideration.
Make a new APS report. If the reporter obtains new information suggesting the disabled adult is in need of protective services due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, a new report may be made. The county DSS will evaluate the new information to determine whether it meets APS screening criteria.
Consult with the DSS director. If the reporter has concerns about whether APS screening requirements, law, or policy were properly followed, those concerns may be brought to the attention of the DSS director.
Contact the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section. Reporters may contact state staff to discuss concerns about APS policy interpretation or implementation. The North Carolina Division of Social Services (the Division) provides policy oversight and technical assistance to county APS programs, but it does not function as an appellate body and cannot require a county to accept a report for evaluation if the APS screening criteria are not met. Written correspondence may be sent to the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section, 2401 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 or you may call the Division at (919) 855-3400.

If someone makes an adult protective services (APS) report and believes the county department of social services closed the evaluation too soon or disagrees with the case decision, is there a process for requesting a review of the decision?Kristy Preston2026-06-23T11:41:36-04:00

If someone makes an adult protective services (APS) report and believes the county department of social services closed the evaluation too soon or disagrees with the case decision, is there a process for requesting a review of the decision?

There is no formal process for requesting a review of an APS decision for reporters who disagree with a case closure or decision. Once a case evaluation is complete, the county department of social services (DSS) sends the reporter a notice that a case decision was made. The notice includes a brief summary of the findings, such as whether the allegations were substantiated or unsubstantiated, and indicates that the decision was made in accordance with applicable state policy, administrative code, and general statutes.

That said, reporters do have options if they believe a case was closed prematurely or they don’t agree with the case decision.

Options include:

Contact the APS social worker or supervisor. If the reporter believes important risk factors were overlooked or circumstances have changed, reporters may share the specific information that supports the concern.
Make a new APS report. If the reporter has new information suggesting a disabled adult is in need of protective services due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, a new report can be made. The county DSS will evaluate whether the new report meets APS screening criteria.
Consult with the DSS director. If the reporter has concerns about whether law or policy was followed, concerns can be elevated to the DSS director.
Contact the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section. Reporters may contact state staff to request additional review. The North Carolina Division of Social Services (the Division) provides policy oversight and technical assistance to county APS programs. While the Division does not function as an appellate body that can overturn a county decision, it does address concerns about policy interpretation or implementation. Written correspondence may be sent to the North Carolina Division of Social Services, Adult Services Section, 2401 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 or you may call the Division at (919)855-3400.