Mandated reporters are certain professionals required by California State law to report suspected abuse or neglect of elders or dependent adults. Mandated reporters must report when they observe physical abuse, neglect, self-neglect, sexual abuse, mental suffering, financial abuse, isolation, abandonment, or abduction of an elder or dependent adult.
If you fall into at least on of the categories, you are a mandated reporter:
- Care custodians of elder or dependent adults
- Licensed Healthcare Practitioners and any person providing health, mental, or social services
- Employees of County Welfare Departments
- Employees of Law Enforcement and Fire Departments
- Clergy members
- Officers or employees of financial institutions who suspect financial abuse
Steps to report Dependent Adult or Elder Abuse to Adult Protective Services
(Call 911 for Life-Threatening Emergencies)
- Call APS to report dependent adult or elder abuse: (415) 473-2774
- Complete State of California Abuse report forms:
- Mandated Reporters and all other reporters use Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse (SOC 341) English
- Mandated Reporters and all other reporters use Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse (SOC 341) Espanol
- Financial Institutions ONLY use Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Financial Abuse (SOC 342)
- Mail the written report or FAX within 2 working days to:
Marin County Adult Protective Services
10 N. San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
FAX: (415) 473-7042
To report dependent adult/elder abuse in a long term care facility such as a skilled nursing facility or residential care facility, call the Long Term Care Ombudsman (415) 473-7446.
Failure to report suspected abuse is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment/fine.
Confidentiality - A mandated reporter is required to give their name. The identity of all persons who report shall be confidential. Violation of statutory confidentiality is a misdemeanor. APS may reveal the names of reporting parties only to other investigative agencies as specified by law. No person required to report abuse will bear criminal liability for reporting. No supervisor or administrator may impede or prohibit reporting.