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Vulnerable Adult Protective Services

FACT: DHS received 1,695 reports of suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults in FFY 2020; self-neglect was the most common concern reported.

FACT: 1,014 reports were substantiated; 63% involved self-neglect, and the rest involved abuse, neglect or financial exploitation by others.

IMPORTANT: Reporters' names and reports are confidential.

The North Dakota Legislature passed the Vulnerable Adult Protective Service Law in 1989. The law authorized the Department of Human Services to develop, administer, and implement a program of protective services for vulnerable adults.

Definition: A vulnerable adult is any person older than age 18, or emancipated by marriage that has a substantial mental or functional impairment.

Reporting: N.D. Century Code states that any person who reasonably believes that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in abuse or neglect may report the information to the department or to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

Report online or call toll-free 1-855-GO2LINK (1-855-462-5465).

Under the law, the N.D. Department of Human Services

  • Has the right to assess and to provide or arrange the provision of adult protective services, if the vulnerable adult consents and accepts the services.
  • May pursue administrative, legal, or other remedies authorized by law, which are necessary and appropriate to protect a vulnerable adult who cannot give consent, and to prevent further abuse or neglect.

Aging Services Division Contact Information:

Aging Services Division
1237 West Divide Avenue, Suite 6
Bismarck, ND 58501
Relay ND TTY: (800) 366-6888
Fax: (701) 328-8744
E-mail: carechoice@nd.gov
ND Aging & Disability Resource-LINK 1-855-GO2LINK (1-855-462-5465) or 701-328-4649

 

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