Investigation of possible abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults and elderly; coordinates with police or courts to stop or prevent such abuse?

• A. Adult Protective Services (APS)
• B. Abuse Registry
• C. Social Worker
• D. Ombudsman

Answer: (A)

The key idea is identifying the agency that formally investigates suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults and coordinates with police and courts to stop harm. Adult Protective Services is the entity that handles these investigations, assesses safety needs, and arranges protective services. When abuse is suspected, APS steps in to investigate, determine what immediate protection is required, and work with law enforcement or the courts to obtain protective orders, guardianships, or other legal safeguards to prevent further harm. This coordination with police and the judiciary is a defining function of APS, ensuring timely and legally supported actions to protect the adult.

The other options relate to related roles but don’t cover the full investigative and court-coordination mandate. The Abuse Registry is a record of substantiated cases, not the investigative body that coordinates with police or courts. A social worker may conduct assessments and provide support, but there isn’t a single agency responsible for nationwide investigations and court coordination in all cases. An ombudsman advocates for residents and resolves complaints about care, but their primary focus isn’t conducting investigations or coordinating protective actions through legal authorities.