Adams County proclaims World Elder Abuse Awareness Day; adult protective services report about 1,800 referrals in 2024 and rising in 2025

The Adams County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and invited the county’s Adult Protective Services (APS) team to speak about elder abuse, prevention and county workload. Carol Johnson, Aging and Adult Administrator, presented staffing and referral data and urged community awareness.

Johnson told the board the Adams County Adult Protective Services team comprises two supervisors, nine caseworkers and two case aides and is responsible for protective services for older adults and other at‑risk adults in the county. She said the team received approximately 1,800 referrals in 2024 and that referrals were already trending upward in 2025. Johnson noted APS work is often hidden and underreported and highlighted that the team is measured against state timeliness standards and annual audits.

Commissioners thanked the APS staff and highlighted the local significance of elder protection. Commissioner Henson noted Colorado’s rapidly aging population and the heightened need for elder services locally; Commissioner Pinter and Chair Malika also thanked staff and referenced county outreach and community programs that connect older adults to services. The board encouraged residents to report suspected abuse and to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by supporting community awareness efforts.

What was presented - Staffing: APS team reported by Johnson as 2 supervisors, 9 caseworkers and 2 case aides. - Workload: approximately 1,800 referrals in 2024; county staff said 2025 referrals are trending upward. - Performance: staff track state timeliness measures and undergo yearly audits, according to the administrator.

What the record does not specify The transcript does not include a breakdown of referral outcomes, the dollar value of related county funding, specific prosecutions or civil actions arising from referrals, or a detailed operational plan to expand APS capacity. Start dates for any planned hires or budget requests were not specified in the meeting record.

Closing Commissioners posed thanks and public recognition for APS staff during the proclamation. The board took no formal policy votes tied directly to staffing or funding during the meeting; the presentation served as an informational briefing and public acknowledgment of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.