Are there often different agencies to contact for child protective services and adult protective services?

The answer is true because child protective services (CPS) and adult protective services (APS) generally serve different populations and, therefore, are often managed by separate agencies. CPS is primarily focused on the welfare of children and investigates reports of abuse or neglect to ensure the safety of minors. In contrast, APS is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults, typically seniors or individuals with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Since the needs, legal frameworks, and procedures for working with children differ significantly from those applicable to adults, distinct agencies are often established to specialize in these areas. This separation allows for more focused and specialized resources, training, and methods suitable to address the unique challenges faced in each group. Consequently, when someone needs to make a report or seek assistance, they would need to contact the appropriate agency based on whether the individual in question is a child or an adult.