Mandated Reporter and At-Risk Adults

Submitted by Sarah Reynolds

All library staff are required to be mandated reporters and regularly update their training, which mainly focuses on child abuse and neglect. The Outreach team was recently reminded that being a mandated reporter also applies to Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of At-Risk Adults.

Mandated reporters must report suspected abuse to both Adult Protective Services (APS) and to law enforcement (O.C.G.A. 30-5-4(b)(1)(A).

1. You can file a report with APS online or by phone Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464), and selecting "3".
2. Notify local law enforcement by calling the non-emergency number and requesting a well-check visit to be made at the residence. Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency number is 770-781-2222. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you have concerns about a patron, discuss the situation with your supervisor to assist in decision-making. If it is determined a report needs to be made, fill out an incident report as soon as possible.