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:

Bucks County Hotline: 1-800-243-3767 

Statewide Hotline: 1-800-490-8505

For more information on Elder Abuse, contact the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force.

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/