Adult Protective Services (APS)

Who is responsible for making reports of abuse?

The Adult Protective Services Reporting Law, Louisiana R.S. 14:403.2, requires all Louisianans to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, and extortion of adults with disabilities. The law grants immunity to any citizen who reports in good faith and who cooperates in an investigation by the protective service agency. The law also provides for criminal penalties for persons who know of incidents and fail to report or who knowingly make false reports.

Do I have to give my name when reporting?

No. You do not have to give your name to make a report. However, providing your name and contact information to APS helps our investigation, if additional information or details are needed at a later date. The reporter’s identity is always protected and kept confidential, except when information is shared with law enforcement.   

What information do I need to make a report?

When making reports to APS, please provide the following information:

• Name of the alleged victim;
• Location of the alleged victim; and
• Details regarding the alleged abuse.

Although it's helpful to report as much information as possible, don't let unknown information prevent you from making a report.

What happens after reports are made?

1. First, a report is screened to ensure it is appropriate for services rendered by the agency. Reports that meet the agency’s criteria are assigned to an APS specialist who conducts an investigation and arranges protective services for victims of abuse.
2. Investigations are initiated within 24 hours or before 10 business days, depending on the adult’s risk of harm. APS works to complete the investigation within 30 days.
3. If APS determines that mistreatment has occurred or the adult is at continued risk of harm, it works to protect the adult using social service or civil legal remedies. Interventions to protect the adults or reduce their risk of harm are implemented within 90 to 120 days.

 Competent adults have the legal right to refuse intervention by Adult Protective Services.

APS is not a law enforcement agency and does not conduct criminal investigations. However, APS may refer information to law enforcement or the District Attorney’s Office when it believes a crime has occurred.

How do I find out the outcome of an investigation for a report that I made?

APS investigations are confidential. Therefore, the outcome of an investigation may not be shared or released. However, certain information may be shared with the alleged victim and/or his or her legal representative and with law enforcement, medical, or social service agencies, as needed, to coordinate services for the adult. 

How can I get a copy of an APS case record?

APS investigations are confidential. Only the APS client or his or her legal representative may request a copy of the APS case record. APS may request additional information from the requester or the APS client to verify the validity of the request before releasing information. APS reserves the right to deny the release of certain information collected during an investigation if it believes its release could cause harm to others involved in the investigation. The reporter’s identity is considered protected information and will not be released with the record.  

Requests for APS records may be mailed or delivered to:

Mailing Address: LDH - Director of APS, P.O. Box 2031, Bin 14, Baton Rouge, LA 70821

Physical Address for Delivery: LDH - OAAS, Bienville Building, 628 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802