Social Services

To report suspected adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call:

• Prince William County Social Services- APS at: (703) 792-4200 (TTY: 711) or
• Toll-free APS hotline at: (888) 832-3858 (TTY: 711)

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Adult Protective Services (APS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults age 18 or older. If protective services are needed and accepted by the individual, local APS workers may arrange for a wide variety of health, housing, social and legal services to stop the mistreatment or prevent further mistreatment. Services offered may include home-based care, transportation, adult day services, adult foster care, nutrition services and legal intervention in order to protect the adult. Services may also be arranged for individuals in emergency situations who lack the capacity to consent to services.

Mandated Reporters What You Need to Know

A mandated reporter must report any concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation involving a disable or older adult (age 60 or older). Next any suspicious death of an adult to the local medical examiner and law enforcement.

Adult Services

The Adult Services Program (AS) assists adults (ages 18-59 yrs. or older) with an impairment who need services or support to enhance self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.  These services are provided by local departments of social services and are designed to help adults remain as independent as possible, preferably in their own home. The goal is to strengthen appropriate family and social supports and reduce the need for institutional placement.  AS may include the provision of case management, home-based care, long-term care services and guardianship and conservator.

Long-Term Supportive Services Screenings (LTSS)

The Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) is a multidimensional, standardized document, which is used to assess an individual’s social, physical health, mental health, and functional abilities. The process to: (I) evaluate the functional, nursing, and social supports of individuals referred for preadmission screening for certain long-term care services requiring nursing facility eligibility; (ii) assist individuals in determining what specific services the individuals need; (iii) evaluate whether a service or a combination of existing community services are available to meet the individuals' needs; and (iv) provide a list to individuals of appropriate providers for Medicaid-funded nursing facility or home and community-based care for those individuals who meet nursing facility level of care. 

The LTSS screening is completed by a DSS staff member and a nurse from the Prince William Health District (PWHD). 

For further information or to request a screening, please call PWHD at (703) 792-5880 (TTY: 711)

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)

ALFs are licensed by the VDSS Division of Licensing Programs to provide care and maintenance to four or more adults. ALF placement is appropriate when the adult is assessed to need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), administration of medication, and/or supervision due to behavioral conditions, but does not require the level of care provided in a nursing facility.

Alternative Caregivers Adult Program (ACAP)

In 2017, Prince William County Social Services developed the ACAP Program. 

The philosophy is to provide a family-like alternative living setting for adults who are incapable of independent living due to physical, emotional or behavioral conditions.   In addition, to provide care for adults in the least restrictive environment while respecting their individual rights and dignity.

The goal is to prevent homelessness among disabled adults. The adults in this program do not have skilled medical needs and would not be appropriate for nursing home placement.

For more information, contact regarding ACAP or to become a ACAP Provider contact, M. Barnes at (703) 792-7957 (TTY: 711) or [email protected].

Guardianship & Conservatorship

Basic and Purpose

A guardian or conservator is appointed for a person who has been found by the court to be incapable of receiving and evaluating information effectively or responding to people, events, or environments to such an extent that the person lacks the capacity to make decisions concerning his or her health and well-being. The purpose of the guardianship and/or conservatorship is to protect the incapacitated person or his or her assets from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Guardians

Guardians are appointed by the circuit court to make decisions about the personal life and affairs of the incapacitated adult. The guardian may be authorized by the court to make all personal decisions for the incapacitated adult or may be authorized to make decisions in only those areas specified by the court. The primary responsibilities of the guardian are to make decisions about where the incapacitated adult will live, how meals and personal care will be provided, and how health care and personal care decisions are made. The guardian is responsible for filing an annual report on the incapacitated adult’s condition with the LDSS in the jurisdiction in which the incapacitated adult resides. The LDSS is responsible for reviewing the reports to rule out any abuse or neglect and to maintain the reports.

Conservators

Conservators are appointed by the circuit court to manage the incapacitated adult’s assets such as, paying bills and making financial decisions. The court may authorize the conservator to make all property and financial decisions or may limit that authority to certain areas.

To obtain additional information about filing for guardianship and/or conservatorship, please contact: 

Prince William Circuit Court (703)-792-6015 (TTY: 711) or [email protected].