Adult Protection

About the Unit

The Adult Protective Services Unit, as an agent of the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, is authorized to investigate the abuse, neglect and exploitation of a vulnerable adult, who resides in a community setting, and to provide protective services and community support to that person.

Protective services are those that prevent maltreatment and allow vulnerable adults to maximize their functioning and to live safely in the community. Services are often provided in collaboration with Public Health Nursing, other Social Services staff, law enforcement, hospitals and home health care agencies.

Note about current operations: The Scott County Government Center is open for business. However, most staff continue to work remotely most days of the week. We remain committed to serving our citizens to every extent possible. If you have additional questions, please call: 952-445-7751.

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center

If you suspect maltreatment of a Vulnerable Adult in Scott County, contact the toll free MN Adult Reporting Center (MAARC) hotline which is staffed 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

To report maltreatment, please call 1-844-880-1574 (toll-free number for the general public)
If your situation is a medical emergency, call 911 to reach your local law enforcement agency.
Identifying who a Vulnerable Adult (VA) and what maltreatment is can be challenging for many different reasons. The following information may assist you in understanding vulnerable adult maltreatment reporting.

Who is considered a Vulnerable Adult?

A vulnerable adult can be anyone over age 18 who:

Has a physical, mental or emotional disorder that makes it difficult for the person to care for themselves without help and to protect themselves from maltreatment
Is in a hospital, nursing home, transitional care unit, assisted living, housing with services, board and care, foster care or other licensed care facility
Receives services such as home care, day services, personal care assistance or other licensed services.

How is maltreatment defined?

Maltreatment includes:

Abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, use of restraints, involuntary seclusion or punishment
Neglect, including failure to provide necessary food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision because of neglect by a caregiver or because the vulnerable adult cannot meet their own needs
Financial exploitation, including theft or withholding of money or property and/or use of money or property not for the vulnerable adult's benefit.