Adult protection

Keep vulnerable adults safe

The abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of older people and adults with disabilities is a real and serious issue, affecting one out of 10 vulnerable adults in Hennepin County. Adult Protection supports adults who are vulnerable so they can live with safety and dignity, consistent with their own culture, values, and goals.

For an immediate response — 24 hours a day, seven days a week — call 1-844-880-1574 to reach the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center.

How we respond

The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) refers all reports of suspected maltreatment to the agency responsible to respond. Lead investigative agencies are county adult protection services, the Minnesota Department of Health, or the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Reports that include an alleged crime also are referred to law enforcement.

If MAARC sends a report to Hennepin County Adult Protection Services, a social worker will evaluate it using the county’s prioritization guidelines for assignment (PDF, 1MB).

If the situation meets criteria for abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, the worker will:

• Initiate face-to-face contact with the vulnerable adult who needs assistance
• Assess the adult’s safety and provide emergency help as needed
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation
• Work to both stop the harm and provide services to maintain the adult’s well-being and independence

While Adult Protection Services workers help vulnerable adults every day, people always have the right to decline services.

More about Adult Protection

• Learn more about the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (PDF, 1MB)
• Hennepin County Adult Protection Services overview (PDF, 1MB)
• Hennepin County case prioritization guidelines (PDF, 1MB)

Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos

Raising public awareness is an important effort to improve the safety and dignity of adults in our communities. These statewide Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos can be shared for education and outreach.

• Minnesota Adult Protection PSA - 80 seconds (YouTube)
• Minnesota Adult Protection PSA - 30 seconds (YouTube)
• Minnesota Adult Protection PSA - 15 seconds (YouTube)