NJ Department of Human Services
The NJ Department of Human Services (DHS) has multiple offices that exist to protect adults against abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These offices are responsible for investigating complaints.
The NJ Division of Aging Services (DoAS) administers several federal and state-funded programs that make it easier for older adults and adults with disabilities to live in the community with independence, dignity, and choice. DoAS provides oversight of the home and community-based programs provided by or through New Jersey’s 21 county Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) offices.
NJ Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within DoAS that helps adults with disabilities and the elderly live with respect and safety by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If someone you know is 18 years of age or older, living in the community, and is the subject of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, contact your county APS office.
A vulnerable adult is:
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities
The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides public funding for services and supports that assist New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 21 and older, to live as independently as possible.
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities Consumer Protection
NJ Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within DoAS that helps adults with disabilities and the elderly live with respect and safety by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If someone you know is 18 years of age or older, living in the community, and is the subject of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, contact your county APS office.
NJ DDD Consumer Protection is responsible for ensuring that there is a process to protect the health and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and address any urgent situations. Any person who believes that an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability has experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation can call:
1-800-832-9173 (then press 1)
This includes instances where the person is 18 or older and in a placement funded by the NJ Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC). Detailed information about the process, including the steps taken by CSOC upon receiving a report, is outlined in the FAQ on Reporting Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation .
NJ Office of Program Integrity and Accountability
The NJ Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) is responsible for safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served through programs overseen by DHS. OPIA works ensure that all services follow federal and state laws, as well as DHS policies and regulations.
The NJ Office of Investigations (OI) conducts civil investigations related to serious allegations/incidents of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other critical incidents involving individuals 18 and older, served in State-licensed facilities and community settings. At the end of the investigation, guardians receive a detailed findings letter.
Northern, Central, and Southern Regions 609-292-2102
NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) oversees a broad range of community mental health and addiction services throughout the State. DMHAS provides community-based prevention, early intervention, treatment, education, and recovery services, including those for at-risk and special populations. DMAS provides a wide range of community mental health services that assist consumers living in the community.
How to report abuse within mental health community settings
DMHAS Toll-Free 1-800-382-6717 or dmhas.incidentrept@dhs.nj.gov
NJ Department of Community Affairs
The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support, and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses, and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey. DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including ones related to affordable housing.
NJ Bureau of Rooming and Boarding House Standards
The NJ Bureau of Rooming and Boarding House Standards is responsible for the inspection and licensure of emergency shelters for the homeless and residential health care facilities.
Residents of DCA licensed and regulated boarding homes and residential health care facilities can call the DCA complaint line 609-984-1704.
The NJ Department of Health's (DOH) three primary branches are Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. Each aspect of the Department works collaboratively to strengthen New Jersey's health system.
NJ Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing
The NJ Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing is responsible for the oversight of Hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers, assisted living facilities, and most other acute and long-term care facilities in New Jersey
Use this online form to file a complaint about the care you received at a licensed health care facility in New Jersey, or call the DOH Hotline at 1-800-792-9770. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.
NJ Patient Services Compliance Unit
The NJ Patient Services Compliance Unit (PSCU) accepts reports of suspected patient abuse or professional misconduct at any of the four psychiatric hospitals operated by DOH.
Call 1-888-490-8413 to report an incident of suspected patient abuse or professional misconduct.
The NJ Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO) is part of a national resident-focused, person-centered advocacy program. NJLTCO is an independent advocate for individuals receiving long-term care. Representatives of NJLTCO work with individual residents to help them address challenges they face; in addition, NJLTCO seeks opportunities to bring about change on local, state, and federal levels and by advocating for policy and legislative initiatives and participating in activities that support the NJLTCO’s mission to advance the rights, the dignity, and the self determination of individuals living in long-term care.
All employees of long-term care facilities are considered “mandatory reporters” and must report any suspected abuse, neglect, or financially exploitation to the NJLTCO. The allegation must be filed with NJLTCO by faxing a Reportable Event form to 609-943-3479.
Individuals who are not employees of long-term care facilities and would like to report an incident of abuse or neglect of a resident/patient of a long-term care facility can do so by submitting an online complaint form with the NJLTCO or by calling 1-877-582-6995
Allegations of abuse and/or neglect can be made to Disability Rights NJ (DRNJ). Individuals are encouraged to report allegations to the appropriate oversight agency, DRNJ can provide detailed information on how and where to make a complaint based on the setting or the nature of the allegation. Individuals may also make reports directly to DRNJ, especially if there is a concern about the response to the allegation or if the suspected abuse or neglect is systemic.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey