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Adult Services

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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
Adult Day Care (ADC) & Adult Day Health (ADH)
In-Home Aide Services (IHS)

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:

Adult Care Home Monitoring
Adult Placement
Individual and Family Adjustment (IFA)
Special Assistance, In-Home (SA/IH)

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

The willful or intentional infliction of physical pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement or deprivation by a caretaker of services which are necessary to maintain mental and physical health.

Look for:
  • Unusual and unexplained bruises, welts, fractures, and burns in various stages of healing or in the shape of an object.
  • Bed sores, weight loss, or dry skin and lips.
  • Clothing inappropriate for temperature and conditions. 
  • Inadequate shelter or medical care.
  • Excessive sweating or chills.
  • Intentional confinement in a dangerous environment.
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.