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Oregon Health Authority

Protective services

People with mental illness may need assistance when they have been abused or are at risk of being abused. Protective services are those steps taken to prevent abuse or neglect and to keep people safe.

Adult protective services are provided for all adults with mental illness who receive services. Most Oregon counties have created multi-disciplinary teams to review these cases and discuss legal action with law enforcement agencies. Adult protective services are defined as:
  • Arranging for the immediate protection of the adult
  • Contacting the adult to assess his or her ability to protect his or her own interest and give informed consent
  • Determining the ability of the adult to understand the nature of the protective service and his or her willingness to accept services
  • Coordinating evaluations to determine or verify the adult's physical and mental status, if necessary
  • Assisting in or arranging for appropriate services and alternative living arrangements
  • Assisting in or arranging the medical, legal or other necessary services to prevent further abuse and
  • Providing advocacy to assure the adult's rights and entitlements are protected.



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Page updated: April 11, 2011