FAQ
  Frequently Asked Questions About the APS Program 

WHERE SHOULD I CALL TO REPORT ABUSE ?
Call the San Francisco County Elder Abuse Hotline at 415-355-6700 or 800-814-0009 Social Workers are available 24 hours a day/seven days per week to take your report.

WHO SHOULD REPORT ABUSE ?
Anyone who suspects abuse should call and make a report.

ARE MY REPORTS CONFIDENTIAL?
ALL REPORTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL. The reporter's name is not revealed to the reported victim or abuser, unless the reporter waives the right to confidentiality, but the information may be shared with other investigating and licensing agencies. Reports may be filed anonymously, but the social worker who is assigned to help the victim may be able to provide better service if he/she can talk to the reporter.

ARE THERE MANDATED REPORTERS?
Some professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are mandated by law to report suspected abuse situations and, unlike voluntary reporters, they must identify themselves when they report.

IF I REPORT, AM I PROTECTED FROM BEING SUED?
The law provides civil and criminal liability protection for anyone who makes a report in good faith. Assistance with reasonable attorney's fees is available through the State Board of Control if legal action results from a report required or allowed by this law, and the reporter prevails.

WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE THAT ABUSE HAS OCCURRED ?
Report what you suspect. The reporter is never expected to gather all the facts, or to know without doubt that abuse has occurred. Upon receiving the report, a social worker will investigate the matter in an appropriate manner.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I MAKE THE REPORT ?
An Adult Protective Services Social Worker will visit the victim (client) to investigate the situation. If the client is endangered, the Social Worker will assist the client and interested parties to eliminate or reduce the endangerment through providing necessary intervention services and longer term follow-up and monitoring services, as appropriate for the client.
The Social Worker's first attempt to visit will be within one to ten days of your call, depending upon the seriousness of the report. ALL REPORTS OF LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS ARE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY. The assigned Social Worker will attempt to speak with the reporter, as part of her/his investigation.