Protective Services

Overview

The BCAAA, under the guidance and oversight of the Pennsylvania Department for the Aging, is responsible for investigating reports of elder abuse including physical and emotional abuse, caregiver or self-neglect, financial exploitation, and abandonment for adults over the age of 60. Staffed 24 hours a day by highly trained protective services staff, our hotline workers are ready to take reports of needs (RON)from hospitals, nursing facility staff, family members, friends and neighbors about suspected elder abuse. If determined to be suspected elder abuse, an investigation will begin shortly thereafter. At times, those who call in the RON may not be contacted after the initial report due to the nature of the work, moreover, those who do report suspected abuse can rest assured their identity will be kept in the strictest of confidence according to PA statues. In addition to investigating the allegations of abuse, protective service staff members help to mitigate safety risks by creating a plan of care for that individual. 

If you suspect mistreatment of an older person, we encourage you to make the report. Even if you are not sure abuse has occurred, but feel you have a reason to be concerned about the older person’s well-being, you should make the call.  All calls are confidential.

To report suspected elder abuse in Bucks County, call:

Toll-Free Numbers:

1-800-490-8505

1-800-243-3767 

What Happens After You File a Report of Need

All Reports to our agency are taken seriously, thank you for calling to report a concern.

The Reporter's name is kept in the strictest confidence. 

The RON will be categorized and reviewed by a Protective Services Supervisor.

If the RON meets criteria for an investigation, a comprehensive and unbiased investigation of the situation will take place. 

Per the Older Adult Protective Services Act, please know that  we cannot provide information about the case to the Reporter or others; that includes updates.  We can always take additional information from you, should you have more to share about a situation. 

Assistance and services are offered if the Older Adult meets criteria for Protective Services.  Please keep in mind that older adults have the right to self-determination and may decline the help that is offered. 

To learn more about Elder Abuse:

Are you a mandated reporter?

In Pennsylvania, Employees including administrators of specialized facilities and agencies are required to report all suspected abuse to their local Area Agency on Aging. This training provides the learner with an overview of the mandatory abuse reporting provisions of both Adult and Older Adult Protective Services Act: https://www.pda-lms.org/guest-registration/