Mandated Reporting Beyond Children

RBTs increasingly work with adolescents and adults — particularly in programs serving teens transitioning to independent living, adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and individuals in residential settings. The mandated reporter obligation extends to vulnerable adults, with reporting going to Adult Protective Services (APS) instead of Child Protective Services.

Who Is a "Vulnerable Adult"?

State definitions vary, but generally a vulnerable adult is any person 18 or older who, due to physical, mental, or developmental disability, cannot fully care for themselves OR cannot protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Nearly all adult ABA clients meet this definition for legal purposes.

Types of Abuse to Report

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, restraint without medical justification, inappropriate use of medication
  • Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact (and most states consider clients with significant cognitive impairment incapable of consent)
  • Emotional abuse: Threats, humiliation, isolation, demeaning language
  • Neglect: Failure to provide food, medication, hygiene, supervision, or medical care
  • Financial exploitation: Misuse of the client's money, property, or benefits
  • Self-neglect: The client is unable to meet their own needs and no one is intervening (less common but reportable)

Who Might Be the Perpetrator?

Caregivers, family members, group home staff, other clients, community members, and — though it's hard to consider — sometimes other RBTs or BCBAs. Your obligation does not change based on who the alleged abuser is.

How to Report

Each state has an Adult Protective Services hotline (often the same agency as APS for elder abuse). Reports are typically anonymous to the alleged victim and perpetrator but you should identify yourself to the APS agency. Most reports can be made online. The same good-faith legal protections that apply to child abuse reporters apply here.

What Happens Next

APS will investigate, typically within 24-72 hours depending on urgency. The investigation may include interviews with the client, family, and witnesses; review of records; and home visits. As the reporter, you may be contacted for additional information. You should NOT discuss the report with the alleged abuser or anyone outside the official process.