Adult Protection
What phone numbers do I call to report suspected maltreatment?
To report suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult, contact Benton County Human Services at 320-968-5087 Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM. After regular business hours, weekends and holidays, call the Benton County Sheriff's Department at 320-968-7201.
Who is a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is a person 18 years of age or older who
- is a resident or inpatient of a facility or
- is receiving services from an agency licensed by Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or
- has an impairment or disability that impairs the individual from meeting their basic needs and protecting themselves from harm
What is Considered Maltreatment of a Vulnerable Adult?
Types of Maltreatment:
- abuse: physical, emotional, sexual
- financial exploitation: misuse of a vulnerable adult's funds, property or assets
- neglect: failure to provide for a vulnerable adult's basic needs. The absence of care or services to maintain a person's health and safety.
For additional information, please review the following brochure: Adult Protection Brochure
How Do I Make a Vulnerable Adult Report?
Each County in Minnesota has a designated "Common Entry Point" (CEP) for individuals to call who have a maltreatment report to make. Benton County's Common Entry Point (CEP) daytime/working hours is Benton County Human Services (320-968-5087). After business hours, weekends or holidays reports can be made to the Benton County Sheriff's Department at (320-968-7201). The Common Entry Point has been developed to make reporting easier and to assure the highest quality of communication.
Adult Protection Resource Links:
- Resources for Family Caregivers Brochure
- Long-Term Care Consultation Services Brochure
- Disability Linkage Line Information or phone them at 1-866-333-2466
- Senior Linkage Line Website or phone them at 1-800-333-2433
- MN Department of Human Services
- MN Office of Ombudsman for Long Term Care
- MN Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disability