- What do I do if I have reason to believe a disabled is being abused, neglected or exploited and does not have anyone to access services to protect him?
The Department of Social Services in each of the 100 North Carolina counties evaluate situations of alleged abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults. A telephone call will begin the process. In Mecklenburg County the number is (704) 336-4812 Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. After hours and during holidays call (704) 336-CARE (2273).
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- Why should I report?
It is the law! Any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a disabled person is in need of Protective Services must report the case to the county Social Services Department (N.C.G.S. 108A-102).
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- Will the person find out that I called?
No. Under state law, anyone who makes a report, testifies in a court action, or participates in a required evaluation under the Abused, Neglected, or Exploited Disabled Adult Act, is immune from civil or criminal liability, unless he/she acts in bad faith or with a malicious purpose. State policy dictates that we protect the name of the reporter.
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- What information is needed when I call DSS?
It would be very helpful if you can give the name, address, age or birth date, caregiver's name (if there is one), mental or physical condition of the adult and names of others who may be able to provide information regarding the situation. Be prepared to explain the situation and why you feel the person needs protection.
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- What are some common behavioral indicators that a person may be abused, neglected or exploited?
The disabled adult may avoid eye contact, appear confused, hesitate to speak openly, withdraw, have a change in appetite or sleep patterns, exhibit suspicious or paranoid behavior or have a radical change in behavior or appear depressed.
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- What is abuse?
Abuse is the willful infliction of physical pain, injury, mental anguish, or the unreasonable confinement by a caretaker or the willful deprivation by a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health.
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- What are some indicators of abuse?
An indicator of abuse may be any unusual and unexplained bruises, welts, fractures or burns that are in various stages of healing or are in the shape of an object such as a rope, belt, iron or tip of a cigarette. Another indicator could be bed sores, weight loss, dry skin and lips and inappropriate clothing for temperature and conditions. Inadequate shelter or medical care or willful confinement of the adult in a dangerous environment could also be indicators of abuse.
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- What is neglect?
There are two kinds of neglect; self neglect and caretaker neglect. Self neglect refers to a disabled adult who is living alone or who has no caretaker and is not able to provide for himself the services which are necessary to maintain his physical or mental health. Caretaker neglect refers to the failure of a caretaker to provide for a dependent, aged or disabled adult the goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish or mental illness.
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- What are some indicators of self neglect?
Self neglect indicators are forgetfulness in lighting or turning off stove or gas, aimless wandering at night, the inability to cook, eat, bathe, toilet, dress or care for oneself, unusual thinness or dehydration, causing small fires, living in an unsafe dwelling or environment, inappropriate use of medications and the inability to communicate.
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- What are some indicators of caretaker neglect?
The failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing and attention to personal and incidental needs; failure to manage resources to meet needs; failure to provide a safe living situation that is not hazardous to health and safety; failure to provide appropriate supervision or failure to provide or arrange for medical needs.
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- Who is a caretaker?
A caretaker is an individual who has the responsibility for the care of the adult as a result of the family relationship or has assumed the responsibility for the care of the disabled adult either voluntarily or by contract.
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- What is exploitation?
Exploitation is the illegal or improper use of the disabled adult or his resources for another's profit or advantage.
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- What are some indicators of exploitation?
Some indicators are unexplained withdrawal of money from bank accounts; use of deceit, treachery or coercion to obtain money or assets; unusual interest by anyone in the disabled adult's assets and lifestyles; a difference between assets and lifestyle; unusually large payment for services; mismanagement of a person's funds or inappropriate sexual activity.
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