Abuse and Neglect of Persons with Disabilities

If you have a disability and believe you have been abused or neglected, ADAP can help. 

Under federal law, ADAP is authorized to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of persons with disabilities. Our investigations have led to better and safer services and living conditions for persons with disabilities.

ADAP also monitors in programs and facilities that serve persons with disabilities to ensure their safety and to protect their rights.

Here’s a list of some of the abuse and neglect issues we investigate:

  • Serious injury or death
  • Inappropriate treatment planning
  • Financial exploitation
  • Involuntary medication
  • Personal care issues (food, shelter, clothing, etc.)

We investigate in many different places which provide services to persons with disabilities, like:

  • Public and private mental health facilities
  • Group homes
  • Sheltered workshops
  • Schools
  • Jails
  • Residential Facilities for Youth

If you contact us to report the abuse or neglect of a person with a disability, your call to us is confidential. If we can’t help you directly, we’ll try to connect you with someone who can.

Where else can you report abuse, neglect, or rights violations against persons with disabilities?

Office of Rights Protection and Advocacy (ORPA) (Alabama Department of Mental Health)

The Office of Rights Protection and Advocacy (ORPA) protects the rights of persons served by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The ORPA investigates rights complaints. In addition, the ORPA’s program of nonlegal advocacy services offers rights information and referrals, conducts rights training programs, and participates in certification and monitoring reviews. To file a complaint about an alleged rights violation in a DMH licensed facility or community program, contact ORPA at 1.800.367.0955.

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Alabama Department of Senior Services)

The Ombudsman Program provides advocacy services to persons living in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities, and boarding homes. Ombudsmen work to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of Alabama’s long-term care residents. Anyone can use an Ombudsman, including residents, residents’ family and friends, or employees of long-term care facilities. Complainants do not have to give their name and all information is confidential. Call 334.242.5753 to be connected to an Ombudsman in your area of the state.

Alabama Department of Public Health (DPH)

The Alabama Department of Public Health licenses health care programs in the state, including such settings and providers as hospitals, hospice care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. To learn more about how to file a complaint against a health care provider, visit the DPH complaint page.

Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)

Reports may also be made to your county DHR office or your local law enforcement agency.