Adult and Elderly Services

Adult Protective Services

Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services is responsible for investigating reports or alleged abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults (ORC 5101:2-20-03.)

Definitions:

Abuse:  The infliction upon an adult by himself or others of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.

Neglect:   Failure of an adult to provide for himself the goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness or the failure of a caretaker to provide such goods or services.

Exploitation:  The unlawful or improper act of a caretaker using an adult or his resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain. 

Who is protected?

The law applies to any person 60 years of age or older within this state who is handicapped by the infirmities of aging or who has a physical or mental impairment which prevents the individual from providing for his own care or protection.  The person must live in an independent living arrangement (examples: private home, apartment, or boarding home).

How can a report be made?

Reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation can be made by phone, mail, fax or in person at 7989 Dickey Drive Suite 2, Lisbon Ohio 44432. Our phone number is 330-420-6600.

  • Agency hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:00pm
  • Emergency after hour referrals can be made by calling the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office at 330-424-5715
  • All reports to Adult Protect Services are kept confidential.

What happens after a referral is made?

If the situation presents conditions in which someone is at risk of immediate and irreparable physical harm or death, it will be considered an “emergency” and contact will be made within 24 hours. Contact will be initiated within 3 days on reports deemed “non-emergencies.” A face-to-face visit will be conducted with the alleged adult victim and an assessment will be completed to determine if the person is at risk and the need for protective services will be evaluated.

What services can be provided?

Each situation is unique. The social worker will assist the individual to determine the least restrictive method to improve/correct the satiation and also keep him/her safe.  The APS workers try to coordinate services with other community agencies (home health, CHORE services, home delivered meals, emergency response, representative payee and/or guardianship services) that are appropriate to the individual’s needs.  If the individual is deemed “competent” (by a medical doctor) and he/she does not wish to receive protective services, intervention cannot be made.

 

Adult Protective Services (APS) FAQs

Who do I call to report suspected abuse or neglect of an elderly person residing in a Nursing Home, Adult Care Home or an Assisted Living facility?
You will need to contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center #1-800-686-7367. Request to speak with the Long Term Care Ombudsman to report your concerns.
Who can make a report of elder abuse?
Anyone can report suspected elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Certain professionals are mandated by Ohio law to report elder abuse. This includes all medical healthcare professionals, attorneys, social workers, law enforcement and emergency response personnel.
What information do I need to make a report?
You will need the address or the exact location of the older adult and all information you have about the nature of the abuse. The screener will also ask you a series of questions to gather as much information as possible about the situation and the needs of the older adult.
What are the objectives of APS?
APS strives to maximize independence and prevent, eliminate, or remedy the conditions that cause or contribute to the endangerment or abuse of adults.
What happens if an elder abuse victim declines help?
Adults have the right to refuse help. APS respects the wishes of those that decline assistance except in situations where the adult clearly lacks the capacity to make this decision.

APS works with doctors, mental health professionals and the courts when an adult’s ability to make decisions is in question and the adult is at risk of being abused, neglected or financially exploited.