Adult Protection
(970) 248-2888
Adult Protection serves as a program that helps connect the at-risk adult with services and resources. An at-risk adult is defined as an individual 18 years of age or older who is susceptible to mistreatment or self-neglect because the individual is unable to perform or obtain services necessary for the individual’s health, safety and welfare.
Mission: Mesa County APS strives to reach and support the highest quality of life available to meet at-risk adults individual needs through service delivery and advocacy to reduce the risk of mistreatment.
Vision: to demonstrate compassion through advocacy and service implementation for at-risk adults to promote independence, self determination and dignity.
Types of Abuse:
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Physical
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Sexual
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Caregiver Neglect
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Self Neglect
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Exploitation
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Harmful Acts
If you are concerned about a friend, neighbor or loved one in any of the above areas mentioned you are encouraged to call the Department of Human Services intake line at (970) 248-2888.
*Please note that referral sources are always kept confidential and can be kept anonymous
Mandatory Reporting:
Mandatory reporting of mistreatment of an at-risk elder (a person over the age of 70) or an adult with an intellectual/developmental disability is required of certain professionals. C.R.S. 26-3.1-10
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Adult Protective Services (APS) do?
APS offers protective services to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the current or potential risk of mistreatment or self-neglect to the at risk adult using community based services and resources, health care services, family and friends when appropriate, and other support systems.
APS focuses on the at-risk adult and those services that may prevent, reduce, or eliminate further mistreatment or self-neglect
What is abuse?
The types of abuse investigated by APS are:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Caretaker neglect
- Exploitation
- Self-neglect
- Harmful acts.
What is an "at-risk" adult and how is this different from an "at-risk" elder?
An at-risk adult is an individual eighteen years of age or older who is susceptible to mistreatment or self-neglect because the individual is unable to perform or obtain services necessary for his or her health, safety, or welfare, or lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate responsible decisions concerning his or her person or affairs. An at-risk elder is simply an individual over the age of 70 who may are may not meet the definition of an at-risk adult.
Does APS assist with housing?
APS will not open a case solely to assist in housing. If a case is opened to investigate mistreatment and housing is a need, APS may assist in locating housing. If the only concern is housing, APS recommends contacting:
- Grand Junction Housing Authority
- Catholic Outreach
- Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC)
- Call 2-1-1 or visit wc211.org
- Review the Almost Home Guide
If the concern is related to an eviction or other landlord/tenant issues, Disability Law may be able to provide assistance
If assistance is needed with Long Term Care Medicaid and placement in a facility, the Single Entry Point for Mesa County may be able to help.
(APS does not provide case management for Single Entry Point services)
Will APS arrest me?
APS does not have the statutory authority to arrest or complete criminal investigations. However, APS does work collaboratively with local law enforcement to ensure criminal charges are filed when appropriate.
Will APS complete welfare checks?
No.
APS has no statutory authority to interact with a client unless a case is open. If a welfare check is needed to ensure a client’s immediate safety, please contact law enforcement.
Mesa County non-emergent dispatch: 970-242-6707, or call 911 in an emergency.
When does APS become involved?
Per APS rule and statute, APS may become involved only when the client is an at-risk adult and there is a mistreatment.
Can APS initiate mental health holds?
No.
APS does not have the training or the statutory authority to initiate any mental health holds, impositions of legal disability (ILD), or court ordered medications. All mental health holds must be initiated by a mental health crisis clinician or law enforcement. All ILD’s and court ordered medications must be initiated by a mental health provider and approved by the Mesa County Court, 21st Judicial District.