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 (PDF).
| County | APS agency | Daytime hours | Daytime phone number | Other contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | Adams County Health and Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-339-4505 | Toll-free: 800-830-3454 After-hours: Northwest Connection, 888-552-6642 |
| Ashland | Ashland County Health and Human Services Department | 8 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 |
| Barron | Barron County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-537-5691 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 Emergency: 715-537-3106 |
| Bayfield | Bayfield County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | 715-373-6144 | After-hours: 911 |
| Brown | Brown County Health and Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-448-7885 | After-hours: 920-436-8888 Email: bc.hs.aps@browncountywi.gov |
| Buffalo | Buffalo County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-685-4412 | After-hours: 608-685-4433 |
| Burnett | Burnett County Health and Human Services Department | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-349-7600 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 or 911 |
| Calumet | Calumet County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-849-1400 | After-hours: 920-849-9317 |
| Chippewa | Chippewa County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-726-7788 | After-hours: 715-726-7788 |
| Clark | Clark County Social Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-743-5233 | Toll-free: 866-743-5233 After-hours: 715-743-3157 |
| Columbia | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Columbia County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-742-9233 | Toll-free: 888-724-9233 After-hours: 608-742-4166 |
| Crawford | Crawford County Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-326-0248 | After-hours: 608-326-8414 |
| Dane | Dane County Department of Human Services APS Helpline | 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-261-9933 | After-hour: 608-255-6067 or 911 |
| Dodge | Dodge County Human Services and Health Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-386-3580 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 |
| Door | Door County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 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 |
| Douglas | Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-395-1304 | After-hours: 911 |
| Dunn | Dunn County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-232-4006 | After-hours: 911 |
| Eau Claire | Eau Claire County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-839-7118 | After-hours: 715-839-4972 (non-emergency) or 911 |
| Florence | Florence County Human Services Department | 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | 715-528-3296 | Toll-free: 888-452-3296 After-hours: 715-528-3346 |
| Fond du Lac | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Fond du Lac County, Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-929-3466 | Toll-free: 800-435-7335 After-hours: 920-929-3466 or 911 |
| Forest | Forest County Social Services Department | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-478-3351 | After-hours: 715-478-3331 (dispatch) |
| Grant | Grant County Department of Social Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-723-2136 | After-hours: 608-723-2157 |
| Green | Green County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-328-9499 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 |
| Green Lake | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Green Lake County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 877-883-5378 | After-hours: 920-294-4000 |
| Iowa | Iowa County Department of Social Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-930-9835 | After-hours: 608-930-9500 |
| Iron | Iron County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | 715-561-3636 | After-hours: 715-561-3800 or 911 |
| Jackson | Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-284-3978 | Toll-free: 844-493-4245 After-hours: 715-284-5357 or 911 |
| Jefferson | Jefferson County Department of Human Services | 24 hours | 920-674-3105 | N/A |
| Juneau | Juneau County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-847-2400 | After-hours: 800-777-7386 |
| Kenosha | Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability & Behavioral Health Services | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | 262-605-6646 | Toll-free: 800-472-8008 After-hours: 262-657-7188 |
| Kewaunee | Kewaunee County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-388-7030 | After-hours: 920-388-3100 |
| La Crosse | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of La Crosse County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-785-5700 | After-hours: 911 |
| Lafayette | Lafayette County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-776-4960 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 |
| Langlade | North Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-841-5160 (24 hours) | Toll-free: 855-487-3338 |
| Lincoln | North Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-841-5160 (24 hours) | Toll-free: 855-487-3338 |
| Manitowoc | Manitowoc County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-683-4230 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 |
| Marathon | North Central Health Care, Adult Protective Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-841-5160 (24 hours) | Toll-free: 855-487-3338 |
| Marinette | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Marinette County | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-732-3850 | After-hours: 715-732-7600 |
| Marquette | Marquette County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-297-3124 | After-hours: 608-297-2115 |
| Menominee | Menominee County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-799-3861 | After-hours: 715-799-3861 |
| Milwaukee | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Milwaukee County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 414-289-6874 | After-hours: 414-289-6874 or 211 |
| Monroe | Monroe County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-269-8600 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 |
| Oconto | Oconto County Health and Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | 920-834-7000 | After-hours: 920-834-6900 |
| Oneida | Oneida County Department of Social Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-362-5695 | Toll-free: 888-662-5695 After-hours: 715-361-5100 |
| Outagamie | Outagamie County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | 920-832-4646 | After-hours: 920-832-4646 |
| Ozaukee | Ozaukee County Human Services Department | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 262-284-8200 | After-hours: 911 |
| Pepin | Pepin County Department of Human Services | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-672-8941 | After-hours: 715-672-5944 |
| Pierce | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Pierce County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-273-6780 | After-hours: 715-273-5051 |
| Polk | Polk County Community Services Division | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-485-8400 | After-hours: 715-485-8300 |
| Portage | Portage County Health and Human Services Department | Monday: 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. | 715-345-5350 | After-hours: 866-317-9362 |
| Price | Price County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-339-2158 | After-hours: 715-339-3011 (Sheriff's Department) or 911 |
| Racine | Racine County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 262-833-8777 | After-hours: 262-638-6741 |
| Richland | Richland County Department of Health and Human Services | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-647-8821 | After-hours: 888-552-6642 (Northwest Connections) |
| Rock | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-741-3600 | After-hours: 608-741-3600 |
| Rusk | Rusk County Aging Unit | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-532-2299 | After-hours: 715-532-2200 or 911 |
| Sauk | Sauk County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-355-4200 | After-hours: 800-533-5692 |
| Sawyer | Sawyer County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 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 |
| Shawano | Shawano County Human Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-526-4700 | After-hours: 715-526-3111 |
| Sheboygan | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Sheboygan County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-467-4100 | Toll-free: 800-596-1919 After-hours: 911 |
| St. Croix | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of St. Croix County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-246-8255 (ACCESS) | Toll-free: 800-372-2333 After-hours: 888-552-6642 (Northwest Connections) |
| Taylor | Taylor County Human Services Department | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-748-3332 | After-hours: 715-748-2200 |
| Trempealeau | Trempealeau County Department of Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-538-2311, ext. 290 | After-hours: 715-538-4351 |
| Vernon | Vernon County Department of Human Services | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 608-637-5210 | After-hours: 608-637-2123 or 911 |
| Vilas | Vilas County Department of Social Services | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | 715-479-3668 | After-hours: 715-479-4441 |
| Walworth | Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services | 24 hours | 262-741-3200 | N/A |
| Washburn | Washburn County Health and Social Services Department | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 715-468-4747 | After-hours: 888-860-0373 or 911 |
| Washington | Washington County Health and Human Services Department | 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | 262-365-5757 | After-hours: 262-365-6565 |
| Waukesha | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waukesha County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 262-548-7848 | After-hours: 262-547-3388 or 211 |
| Waupaca | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waupaca County | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | 715-258-6400 | After-hours: 800-719-4418 (non-emergency) or 911 |
| Waushara | Waushara County Department of Health and Human Services | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 920-787-6600 | After-hours: 920-787-3321 or 911 |
| Winnebago | Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Winnebago County | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | 877-886-2372 (leave message after hours) | After-hours crisis hotline:
|
| Wood | Wood County Human Services Department | 8 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
Child and Family Services Division
Adult and Elder Protection Program
Initial Response (APS Reporting)
Phone: 715-284-7749 or 855-659-8820
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, P-03455 (PDF). 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.