Dakota County protects vulnerable adults from abuse and maltreatment. Social Services takes steps to investigate the abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Vulnerable adults are anyone 18 years of age or older who live in licensed facilities (nursing home, hospital or residential facility), receive health services at home or require help in caring or protecting themselves.
Reporting maltreatment of a vulnerable adult
To report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult, call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 1-844-880-1574. If a person is in immediate danger, call 911.
When you report abuse, include the following:
- The name and address of the vulnerable adult
- The name and address of the person causing harm
- The date and time of the alleged harm
- Details of what happened
If you give your name as the reporter, your name will be kept confidential. If desired, you may ask to receive a letter stating the results of the investigation.
Definition of adult maltreatment
Adult maltreatment is any physical or emotional act that harms or intends harm; words or gestures that harm or intend harm; forcing a vulnerable adult to perform services for the advantage of another; not providing enough food, clothing, shelter, health care or supervision; and unauthorized use of the vulnerable adult’s money or property.