Services
In-Home Investigations and Services
The largest APS program is In-Home Investigations and Services. The In-Home program investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults who are elderly or have disabilities and live in their own homes or in unlicensed room-and-board homes.
This program also investigates allegations of financial exploitation of adults living in nursing homes who may be financially exploited by someone from outside the facility. State law requires anyone who believes that an adult who is elderly or has a disability is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited to report it.
APS begins an investigation by contacting someone who has reliable and current information about the alleged victim within 24 hours of receiving a report. APS can make the initial contact in person or by phone. APS may also provide or arrange for emergency services to alleviate or prevent further abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. These services may include short-term shelter, food, medication, health services, financial help with rent and utilities, transportation, and minor home repair.
APS works in partnership with other social service agencies to provide resources to vulnerable adults. APS works closely with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on cases that require guardianship services. APS caseworkers or intake specialists at the Texas Abuse Hotline may notify law enforcement at any point during an investigation if they suspect a crime has been committed.
For more information, see In-Home Investigations in the APS section of Data and Statistics on the DFPS website.