Adult Protection

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

(12 CCR 2518-1)

Types of abuse investigated by APS

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Caretaker neglect
• Exploitation
• Self-neglect
• Harmful acts.

(12 CCR 2518-1)

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.

(12 CCR 2518-1)

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)

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.

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. 

Per APS rule and statute, APS may become involved only when the client is an at-risk adult and there is a mistreatment.

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, 21^st Judicial District.