Colorado's Adult Protective System (2016)

Colorado's Adult Protective Services (APS) system, first established in 1983, protects at-risk adults who, because of mental or physical ability, are unable to obtain services or otherwise protect their own health, safety, and welfare. In response to greater awareness of at-risk populations, between 2013 and 2016, legislation expanded the scope of the system by implementing mandatory reporting for certain groups and establishing protections for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This issue brief describes Colorado’s current APS system, including program highlights for FY 2015-16, the most recent year for which complete data are available.