Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals | Bruce Greenstein, Secretary

To be eligible for protective services, a person must meet the following criteria:

1. Be age 18 or older (or an emancipated minor); and
2. Have a mental, physical, or developmental disability or disability due to again or chronic disease that substantially limits the person's ability to provide adequately for his/her own care or protection; and
3. Be harmed, threatened with harm, or at risk of harm due to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or extortion as a result of the action or inaction of themselves, their care givers, or other parties; and
4. Be abused, neglected, or exploited by someone who is not an employee of a licensed facility or program.

Abuse

Physical - Contact or actions that result in injury or pain, such as hitting, pinching, yanking, shoving, pulling hair, etc.

Emotional - Threats, ridicule, isolation, intimidation, harassment.

Sexual - Any unwanted sexual activity, without regard to contact or injury; any sexual activity with a person whose capacity to consent or resist is limited.

Neglect

Caregiver - Withholding or not assuring provision of basic necessary care, such as food, water, medical or other support services, shelter, safety, reasonable personal and home cleanliness, or any other necessary care.

Self -Failing, through one's own action or inaction, to secure basic essentials such as food, medical care, support services, shelter, utilities or any other care needed for one's well- being.

Exploitation

The misuse of someone's money, services, property, or the use of a power of attorney or guardianship for one's own purposes.

Extortion
Taking something of value from a person by force, intimidation, or abuse of legal or official authority.

Signs Include:

• Bruises and skin discoloration
• Burns, welts, evidence of bites
• Visitors refused access to home
• Withdrawn behavior
• Lack of personal hygiene or inadequate clothing
• Weight loss, hunger, begging or searching for food
• Lack of utilities in home
• Unhealthy or unsanitary surroundings
• Use of monies or resources by another
• Withdrawal of money in substantial amounts
• Restricted movement, being locked in room
• Lack of needed medications, failure to meet medical appointments

The Adult Protective Services Reporting Law, Louisiana R.S. 14:403.2, requires that all Louisiana citizens report suspected cases of 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.

Adult Protective Services

1.800.898.4910
or
225.342.9057

Elderly Protective Services
1.800.259.4990

Yes, as long as your agency or organization is within the State of Louisiana.