Adult Protective Services are provided to the elderly who are in danger of harm and/or are unable to protect themselves. The Seneca County DJFS is mandated to investigate and evaluate reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults age 60 and over.  Adults who experience abuse, neglect or exploitation are offered supportive services, as available, for protection and self-sufficiency.

How to Report

Any person making a report of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation may do so by telephoning, writing, or visiting the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services at (419) 447-5011 or 1-800-825-5011.

If you prefer, you can make a referral in writing or in person.  Click here for our hours and location.

Reports may also be made to any municipal or county peace officer who will then immediately refer the report to the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services by the above stated methods.

Who may Report

“Any person having reasonable cause to believe that an adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation may report, or cause reports to be made of such belief to the department.” Ohio Revised Code, Section 5101.61(B)

Who must Report (Mandated Reporters)

“Suspected” adult abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation must be immediately reported by any:

  • Attorney
  • Physician
  • Osteopath
  • Podiatrist
  • Chiropractor
  • Dentist
  • Psychologist
  • Any Hospital Employee
  • Nurse
  • Ambulatory Health Facility Employee
  • Home Health Agency Employee
  • Adult Care Facility Employee
  • Community Alternative Home Employee
  • Nursing Home Employee
  • Residential Care Facility Employee
  • Home For The Aging Employee
  • Senior Service Provider
  • Peace Officer
  • Coroner
  • Clergyman
  • Community Mental Health Facility Employee
  • Social Worker
  • Counselor

Penalty for the failure of a person required to report any suspected case of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree as per the Ohio Revised Code, Section 5101.61.

Immunity from Prosecution

“Any person with reasonable cause to believe that an adult is suffering abuse, neglect, or exploitation who makes a report …. shall be immune from civil or criminal liability on account of such investigation, report, or testimony, except liability for perjury, unless the person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.” Ohio Revised Code, Section 5101.61(D)

Confidentiality

“Neither the written or oral report provided for in this section nor the investigatory report provided for in section 5101.62 of the Revised Code shall be considered a public record as defined in section 149.43 of the Revised Code. Information contained in the report shall upon request be made available to the adult who is the subject of the report, to agencies authorized by the department to receive information contained in the report, and to legal counsel for the adult.” Ohio Revised Code, Section 5101.61(F)

More Information

Contact Carter Walton Adult Protective Services Social Worker (ext. 2350) or
Jennifer Schumacher Adult Protective Services Supervisor (ext. 2335)

To view our Appeals and Complaints Process within Seneca County please click HERE