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).
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.