Adult Protective Services: Report Alleged Abuse

If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation, call your county APS helpline.

If the suspected abuse is an emergency—a life-threatening situation or one involving immediate danger—call the police or 911 immediately.


How to make a report

If you believe someone you know is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, you can get help. Contact the county APS agency where the adult at risk or elder adult at risk lives. Find contact information for APS agencies below.

Report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation to the county where the individual at risk lives. If you don't know in which county the individual lives, find their community in the listing of Wisconsin cities, townships, and unincorporated places.

CountyAPS agencyDaytime hoursDaytime phone numberOther contact information
AdamsAdams County Health and Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-339-4505

Toll-free: 800-830-3454

After-hours: Northwest Connection, 888-552-6642

AshlandAshland County Health and Human Services Department8 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.715-682-7004

Toll-free: 800-472-6927

After-hours: 715-682-7023

BarronBarron County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-537-5691

After-hours: 888-552-6642

Emergency: 715-537-3106

BayfieldBayfield County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4 p.m.715-373-6144After-hours: 911
BrownBrown County Health and Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-448-7885

After-hours: 920-436-8888

Email: bc.hs.aps@browncountywi.gov 

BuffaloBuffalo County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-685-4412After-hours: 608-685-4433
BurnettBurnett County Health and Human Services Department8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-349-7600After-hours: 888-552-6642 or 911
CalumetCalumet County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-849-1400After-hours: 920-849-9317
ChippewaChippewa County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-726-7788After-hours: 715-726-7788
ClarkClark County Social Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-743-5233

Toll-free: 866-743-5233

After-hours: 715-743-3157

ColumbiaAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Columbia County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-742-9233

Toll-free: 888-724-9233

After-hours: 608-742-4166

CrawfordCrawford County Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-326-0248After-hours: 608-326-8414
DaneDane County Department of Human Services APS Helpline7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-261-9933After-hour: 608-255-6067 or 911
DodgeDodge County Human Services and Health Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-386-3580After-hours: 888-552-6642
DoorDoor County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-746-7155, then select option 2

Toll-free: 888-743-1844, ext. 7155, then select option 2

After-hours: 920-746-2588 or 911

DouglasDouglas County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-395-1304After-hours: 911
DunnDunn County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-232-4006After-hours: 911
Eau ClaireEau Claire County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-839-7118After-hours: 715-839-4972 (non-emergency) or 911
FlorenceFlorence County Human Services Department8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.715-528-3296

Toll-free: 888-452-3296

After-hours: 715-528-3346

Fond du LacAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County, Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-929-3466

Toll-free: 800-435-7335

After-hours: 920-929-3466 or 911

ForestForest County Social Services Department8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-478-3351After-hours: 715-478-3331 (dispatch)
GrantGrant County Department of Social Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-723-2136After-hours: 608-723-2157
GreenGreen County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-328-9499After-hours: 888-552-6642
Green LakeAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Green Lake County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.877-883-5378After-hours: 920-294-4000
IowaIowa County Department of Social Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-930-9835After-hours: 608-930-9500
IronIron County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4 p.m.715-561-3636After-hours: 715-561-3800 or 911
JacksonJackson County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-284-3978

Toll-free: 844-493-4245

After-hours: 715-284-5357 or 911

JeffersonJefferson County Department of Human Services24 hours920-674-3105N/A
JuneauJuneau County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-847-2400After-hours: 800-777-7386
KenoshaKenosha County Division of Aging, Disability & Behavioral Health Services8 a.m.–5 p.m.262-605-6646

Toll-free: 800-472-8008

After-hours: 262-657-7188

KewauneeKewaunee County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-388-7030After-hours: 920-388-3100
La CrosseAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of La Crosse County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-785-5700After-hours: 911
LafayetteLafayette County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-776-4960After-hours: 888-552-6642
LangladeNorth Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-841-5160 (24 hours)Toll-free: 855-487-3338
LincolnNorth Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-841-5160 (24 hours)Toll-free: 855-487-3338
ManitowocManitowoc County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-683-4230After-hours: 888-552-6642
MarathonNorth Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-841-5160 (24 hours)Toll-free: 855-487-3338
MarinetteAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Marinette County8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-732-3850After-hours: 715-732-7600
MarquetteMarquette County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-297-3124After-hours: 608-297-2115
MenomineeMenominee County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-799-3861After-hours: 715-799-3861
MilwaukeeAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Milwaukee County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.414-289-6874

After-hours: 414-289-6874 or 211

APS online referral form

MonroeMonroe County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-269-8600After-hours: 888-552-6642
OcontoOconto County Health and Human Services Department8 a.m.–4 p.m.920-834-7000After-hours: 920-834-6900
OneidaOneida County Department of Social Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-362-5695

Toll-free: 888-662-5695

After-hours: 715-361-5100

OutagamieOutagamie County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–5 p.m.920-832-4646After-hours: 920-832-4646
OzaukeeOzaukee County Human Services Department8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.262-284-8200After-hours: 911
PepinPepin County Department of Human Services8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-672-8941After-hours: 715-672-5944
PierceAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Pierce County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-273-6780After-hours: 715-273-5051
PolkPolk County Community Services Division8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-485-8400After-hours: 715-485-8300
PortagePortage County Health and Human Services DepartmentMonday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
715-345-5350After-hours: 866-317-9362
PricePrice County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-339-2158After-hours: 715-339-3011 (Sheriff's Department) or 911
RacineRacine County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.262-833-8777After-hours: 262-638-6741
RichlandRichland County Department of Health and Human Services8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-647-8821After-hours: 888-552-6642 (Northwest Connections)
RockAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-741-3600After-hours: 608-741-3600
RuskRusk County Aging Unit8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-532-2299After-hours: 715-532-2200 or 911
SaukSauk County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-355-4200After-hours: 800-533-5692
SawyerSawyer County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4 p.m.715-634-4806, ask for APS intake

Toll-free: 800-569-4162, ask for APS intake

After-hours: 715-634-5213 (Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch) or 911

ShawanoShawano County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-526-4700After-hours: 715-526-3111
SheboyganAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Sheboygan County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-467-4100

Toll-free: 800-596-1919

After-hours: 911

St. CroixAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of St. Croix County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-246-8255 (ACCESS)

Toll-free: 800-372-2333

After-hours: 888-552-6642 (Northwest Connections)

TaylorTaylor County Human Services Department8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-748-3332After-hours: 715-748-2200
TrempealeauTrempealeau County Department of Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-538-2311, ext. 290After-hours: 715-538-4351
VernonVernon County Department of Human Services8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.608-637-5210After-hours: 608-637-2123 or 911
VilasVilas County Department of Social Services8 a.m.–4 p.m.715-479-3668After-hours: 715-479-4441
WalworthWalworth County Department of Health and Human Services24 hours262-741-3200N/A
WashburnWashburn County Health and Social Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.715-468-4747After-hours: 888-860-0373 or 911
WashingtonWashington County Health and Human Services Department7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.262-365-5757After-hours: 262-365-6565
WaukeshaAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waukesha County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.262-548-7848After-hours: 262-547-3388 or 211
WaupacaAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waupaca County8 a.m.–4 p.m.715-258-6400After-hours: 800-719-4418 (non-emergency) or 911
WausharaWaushara County Department of Health and Human Services8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.920-787-6600After-hours: 920-787-3321 or 911
WinnebagoAging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Winnebago County8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.877-886-2372 (leave message after hours)

After-hours crisis hotline:

  • Oshkosh: 920-233-7707 or 911
  • Neenah: 920-722-7707 or 911
WoodWood County Human Services Department8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Marshfield: 715-384-5555

Wisconsin Rapids: 715-421-2345

After-hours: Same as daytime phone numbers

If an adult at risk or elder adult at risk is a member of one of the Tribal nations that share geography with Wisconsin, you can choose to contact a Tribal APS agency or contact person, if one is available.

The investigating agencies and/or contacts for Wisconsin’s Tribal nations are listed below (alphabetically by Tribal nation). These Tribes have designated a contact for the purpose of receiving information or inquiries about APS-related matters from Tribal members, county APS units, or other interested external parties.

For various reasons, Tribal nations work in cooperation with county APS units to investigate cases of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation and/or to petition for guardianships or protective services. 

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Bad River Elderly Program
Jean Hahn-Thomas, Elderly Program Manager
Phone: 715-682-7150, ext. 1495
Email: AgingDirector@badriver-nsn.gov

Forest County Potawatomi Community

Forest County Potawatomi Elders' Program
Jenna Paradies, Elder Services Coordinator 
Phone: 715-478-7462 
Email: Community.Advocate@fcp-nsn.gov

Ho-Chunk Nation

Ho-Chunk Tribal Aging Unit
Greg Blackcoon, Tribal Aging Unit Director
Phone: 888-701-8284
Email: Gregory.Blackcoon@ho-chunk.com 

Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Aging Unit
Alison Cuddy, Interim Aging and Disability Services Director
Phone: 715-558-7942
Email: alison.cuddy@lco-nsn.gov 

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Lac du Flambeau Aging and Long-Term Care Department
Sharon Thompson, Aging and Long-Term Care Director
Phone: 715-588-4385
Email: sthompson@ldftribe.com 

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

Menominee Department of Aging and Long-Term Care
Kristah M Warrington, Directory of Aging and Long-Term Care
Phone: 715-799-5897
Email: kmwarrington@mitw.org 

Oneida Nation

Oneida Aging & Disability Services
Elijah "Eli" Metoxen, Aging & Disability Program Manager
Phone: 920-869-2448
Email: EMETOXE1@oneidanation.org 

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Red Cliff Elder Center
Sarah Williams, Elder Services Manager
Phone: 715-779-3706, ext. 5018
Email: Sarah.Tourdot@redcliff-nsn.gov 

Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Sokaogon Chippewa Elder Services
Dori McGeshick, Interim Elder Services Directory
Phone: 715-478-1229
Email: dori.mcgeshick@scc-nsn.gov 

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

St. Croix Tribal Aging Unit

Lisa Reynolds, Aging Unit Program Manager
Phone: 715-349-2195, ext. 5108
Email: lisare@stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov 

Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians

Stockbridge-Munsee Aging & Disabled Services
Melissa Penass, Aging & Disabled Services Area Manager
Phone: 715-793-3044
Email: melissa.penass@mohican-nsn.gov 

Statewide and national elder abuse reporting resources

If an adult at risk is age 60 or older, you can choose to call a statewide number to report elder abuse. Reports made to the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline will be sent to the county of responsibility. Call the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline at 833-586-0107 or make a report online.

If you would like to make a report about someone who lives outside of Wisconsin, you can find the appropriate APS contact through the Elder Care Locator Hotline at 800-677-1116.

Why should you report?

Most older adults or adults with disabilities live independently without assistance. However, some face abuse or neglect and need trained professionals to advocate on their behalf. Others may simply be struggling with routine activities and benefit from in-home support services to maintain their health and independence. APS helps by assessing everyone’s unique needs, then developing a service plan to maintain their safety, health, and independence.

Who can make an APS report?

Anyone can make an APS report. The identity of the reporter and information reported is confidential and protected by law. Below are groups of people who report to APS.

  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Caregivers

Wisconsin relies on voluntary reporting of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. However, there are certain professionals that are required by law to make reports of suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are referred to as limited required reporters. These professionals are: 

  • Licensed health care providers, as defined in Wis. Stat. § 155.01(7).
  • Employees of any entity that is licensed, certified, approved by, or registered with the Department of Health Services (DHS).
  • Licensed professionals, including social workers, professional counselors, or marriage and family therapists certified under Wis. Stat. ch. 457.

What if I'm not sure?

Do you have a “feeling” about a situation but aren’t sure of the details? APS professionals are trained to handle these situations. Based on your report, the agency will assess the situation and determine how best to respond. Information about the reporter is never shared with the subject of the investigation.

What happens when you make a report?

After you share your concern with the APS agency, APS staff will respond to the report of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. They will investigate the concerns and work with the individual at risk to link to services that support their ability to live safely in their preferred community or placement.

APS respects a person’s right to make their own decisions and usually only provides services when the adult with disabilities or older adult wants them. Sometimes there is a limited set of circumstances in which a person is believed to be incompetent due to a permanent condition that impairs their cognitive ability and places their safety at risk without intervention. In these cases, APS may work with a person’s legal decision maker or petition the court for legal protections, such as the appointment of a guardian.

APS links adults who may have been abused with services that can help them live in the community or their preferred placement. APS personnel work with law enforcement, long-term care providers, medical personnel, financial institutions, and other community partners to meet each person’s unique needs for care and protection.

Due to confidentiality, information about an APS investigation cannot be shared.

Glossary

 
Last revised July 18, 2024