Report Concerns for Abuse and Neglect of Children and Elderly in Fairfield County
The Protective Services Department accepts referrals with concerns for children and elderly 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Child Abuse and Neglect Concerns
- Phone number 740-652-7887 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
- On-Call availability outside of business hours through the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department 740-652-7900
Elderly Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Concerns
- Phone number 740-652-7887 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
- On-Call availability outside of business hours through the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department 740-652-7900
- Make an Online Referral: aps.jfs.ohio.gov
Who Should Report?
Protecting children and the elderly from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. If you suspect harm, neglect, or abuse, please report it to Protective Services. You do not need direct evidence; reasonable suspicion based on observations or information from others is sufficient. Ohio law protects individuals who report in good faith.
What Happens After a Report?
- A Screening Decision Maker reviews the information within 24 hours to determine if it meets criteria for assessment/investigation.
- If screened in, a caseworker is assigned to complete the assessment/investigation.
- If not, the referral is stored electronically for future reference.
Services Include:
Family Team Meetings: Collaborative sessions with families, service providers, and natural supports to develop realistic and achievable plans for child safety and stability.
Permanency Roundtables: Meetings focused on identifying the best plan to move toward permanency for children, involving both agency staff and external consultants.
Parenting Time Services: Structured opportunities for parents to maintain bonds with their children during agency involvement.
Voluntary Family Support Services: Development and implementation of case plans with families to ensure children's safety and well-being.
Prenatal Services: Support for pregnant women struggling with substance abuse, including linkage to recovery services and development of a Plan of Safe Care.
Youth Engagement: Empowering youth in decision-making processes related to their lives, including participation in case planning and access to independent living services.
Eligibility: Fairfield County residents aged 60 or older who are at risk or victims of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation, regardless of income.
Services Include:
- Investigation: Assessment of allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Supportive Services: Provision of or referral to services aimed at reducing risk and promoting independence.
- Community Collaboration: Working closely with social service agencies, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can APS force an adult to accept services?
No. Competent adults have the right to refuse services. - Does APS take guardianship?
APS does not take guardianship but may work with the court to establish appropriate guardianship through other means.
Available Presentations:
- Overview of child and elder abuse and neglect
- Mandated reporting laws and responsibilities
- Screening guidelines and referral processes
- Foster care and adoption information
Local Resources: Fairfield 2-1-1
Contact for Training Requests:
Heather Funk: (740) 652-7689