Mandated Reporters of Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse

What is Mandated Reporting

Mandated reporters are healthcare providers, licensed or unlicensed social service providers for vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid caretakers, care custodians, the clergy, and other professionals in a position of trust who suspect elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect, including self-neglect.

How to submit a Mandated Report

State law requires that mandated reporters immediately report cases of suspected abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult to Adult Protective Services (APS).

Call the 24-Hour APS Hotline: 1-559-852-4000 

• Emergencies: Call 911 if an elder or dependent adult is in immediate physical danger.
• Non-Emergencies: Fill out the Public Intake Report form. 
• Reports: Call the APS Hotline, followed by a written report within two business days using Form SOC 341 (English | Spanish).
• Financial abuse: Financial institutions should call the APS hotline to make a verbal report, followed by a written report within two business days using Form SOC 342.  

To Submit Form SOC 341 or 342

Fax to 1-559-584-4416, or mail to 1400 W Lacey Blvd. Hanford, CA 93230, Attn: APS Supervisor. 

When to Report

California Law, under the Welfare & Institutions Code for Elder Abuse, provides for mandatory reporting of physical abuse, neglect, self-neglect, sexual abuse, mental suffering, financial abuse, isolation, abandonment, or abduction of an elder or dependent adult when:

• The victim reports that abuse has occurred or has knowledge of abuse
• The mandated reporter observes the incident
• When an injury or condition reasonably leads the mandated reporter to suspect that abuse has occurred

Failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse and/or neglect is a misdemeanor. When the abuse results in death or great bodily harm to the elder, the penalties for failing to report are a sentence of up to one year in county jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.

Who is a Mandated Reporter?

• Care custodians and health practitioners
• County welfare departments
• Employees of law enforcement and fire departments
• Employees of humane societies and animal control agencies
• Employees of environmental health and building code enforcement
• Clergy members
• Any other protective, public, sectarian, mental health, private assistance or advocacy agency, or person providing health services or social services
• Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody
• Officers or employees of financial institutions who suspect financial abuse

Mandated Reporter Training
Learn More About Mandated Reporting in the State of CA