It is an unfortunate reality that disabled adults and the elderly are frequently victims of abuse. In Indiana, a program known as Adult Protective Services (APS) exists to investigate claims of “abuse, neglect, or exploitation” of any vulnerable and “endangered” adult. If APS finds an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to be credible, it can refer the matter to the relevant county prosecutor for possible criminal prosecution of the offender.
APS is funded through Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Prior to July 1, 2025, APS was staffed by investigators working out of the county prosecutors’ offices in 17 counties throughout the state. However, following legislative change and a public bidding process, FSSA awarded a contract for APS management to a private sector company called Public Consulting Group Indiana (PCGI) out of Indianapolis. PCGI’s parent company is Public Consulting Group of Boston. The contract’s initial term is July 1, 2025 – July 1, 2028, with an option for FSSA to choose an additional three-year extension to 2031.
Indiana’s public APS hotline number – 1-800-992-6978 – remains operational, but intake and investigation of all reports will now be handled by PCGI. Prior to the transfer to PCGI, less than 2% of cases reported to APS were referred for prosecution; it remains to be seen whether this percentage will change under PCGI’s management.
As set out in the legislation changing the structure of APS, PCGI investigators must use “standardized tools to make investigations uniform throughout Indiana.” PCGI is required to investigate cases with “immediate risk of serious harm” within 24 hours, cases with “serious risk” within 4 days, and other cases within 20 days.
Indiana remains a “mandatory reporting state,” meaning that anyone who is aware of a potential situation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is required by law to report the circumstances to law enforcement or APS.
Kristin L. Steckbeck
July 2025