Overview

The Iowa Department of Human Services’ (DHS) goal is to maximize positive outcomes with dependent adults by protecting well-being, empowering independence, and supporting quality of life.

Dependent Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults. Concerns of possible abuse are evaluated or assessed by DHS. The program endeavors to provide for the safety and protection of adult who are, or suspected to be, victims of maltreatment. The program endeavors to make referrals to assist alleged victims and their families in locating community supports to meet their needs. Visit this link for Mandatory Reporter information.

Iowa operates as a state supervised and state administered program with 5 service areas of field operation.

Learn more by visiting the Who Qualifies, Frequently Asked Questions and Resources webpages. 


Dependent Adult Protective Services 
1-800-362-2178 (toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
To report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect of a dependent adult, please call the toll-free number above.

If a person is in imminent danger, call 911.

Do NOT email a report of abuse, neglect or exploitation as this email is not monitored during non-business hours and could result in a delayed response to the report.