Union County, NC
Home MenuAdult Services
Responsible for ensuring the health, safety and well-being of disabled adults in Union County.
Our Purpose
To advocate for older adults and adults with disabilities, respect their right to self-determination, provide services to enhance their quality of life, assist them to live in a safe, secure environment and be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
How to Report
Contact the Social Services Department and ask to speak with an Adult Services Intake worker to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled adult.
- Adult Protective Services Intake Hotline: 704-296-6124
- After Hours: 704-289-1591 and ask to speak with the on call Social Worker
- Fax a Report to Adult Protective Services Intake: 704-296-4404
You will remain anonymous and are protected from civil and criminal liability for reports made in good faith.
Information Needed to Report
- Name and address of the disabled adult.
- Age or date of birth of the disabled adult.
- Name of the caregiver, if any.
- Details about the situation and why you feel the person needs protection.
- Information on the mental or physical condition of the disabled adult.
- Name of others who may provide information regarding the situation, if available.
What kind of services does Adult Services provide?
Union County works to support adults who rely on others for care so that they can remain living with dignity, security and independence.
Specific services include:
- Representative payee services
- Financial assistance for adult day-care and adult day-health programs
Adult Protective Services
Evaluates whether a disabled adult has been abused, neglected or exploited and is in need of protective services. Will also evaluate what services may be needed to try and prevent further mistreatment.
- Adult Day Care and Adult Day Health
- In-Home Services Aide Services
Guardianship
Guardianship for adults who have been deemed incompetent by a court of law and no other appropriate guardian of the person is available.
Appointed by the Clerk of Superior Court.
You may be referred to the following services:
Services for the Blind
Administered through NC Department of Health and Human Services, The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind provides treatment, rehabilitation, education and independent living alternatives for blind and visually impaired residents.
Through vocational rehabilitation, we help people find and keep jobs. We also promote the prevention through educational programs. Available to adults and children who qualify.
Contact Social Services for more services for the blind in Union County.
Definitions and What to Look Out For
Do any of these concerns apply to you or someone you know?
- Bruises, burns, cuts, scratches.
- Sprains, fractures, dislocations, malnutrition.
- Untreated medical condition(s).
- Unsafe or unsanitary housing.
- Lack of medications, hearing aids, glasses or dentures.
- Mental anguish and distress.
- Mistrust towards others.
- Unpaid utility and other bills.
- Mismanaged property or savings.
- Sudden change in will or power of attorney.
- Unable to provide care needed.
Common Behavioral Indicators of Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation
- Avoidance of eye contact.
- Confusion.
- Hesitance to talk openly.
- Withdrawal.
- Change in appetitive or sleep patterns.
- Suspicious or paranoid behaviors.
- Radical change in behavior.
- Depression.
Rights & Responsibilities
Your family has the right to be treated with dignity.
You have the right to know Social Services’ legal authority to intervene.
You have a responsibility to cooperate with Social Services to ensure the safety of the adult in question.
Contact
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Adult Protective Services Intake Hotline
After Hours
Union County Communications
704-289-1591