NOTICE

The best way to protect yourself against EBT theft is to call 1-888-328-2666 to change your PIN number before the start of each month.

Due to renovations the DSS Manchester office will be temporarily closed. A new temporary location opened Monday, Jan. 27 at 146 Hartford Road, Manchester. 

Social Work Services

Protective Services for the Elderly

Program Overview

PSE is a social services program focused on ensuring the safety of persons who are age 60 or older by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment and exploitation.

The program aims to help elderly adults live with dignity and respect. DSS Social Workers respond to reports of elder maltreatment and devise a plan of care.

Program Informational Materials

Reporting Elder Abuse

Anyone can (and should) report elder maltreatment. In Connecticut, however, there are professionals who are required by State law to report suspected maltreatment of elders. Click the link below to link to the Connecticut Statute 17b 451 that includes a full listing of PSE mandated reporters.

If you suspect that a person who is age 60 or older is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned, make a report to the Protective Services for the Elderly Program.

There are three (3) different ways to report cases of suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment: by phone, by form and online.

  • By Phone: Toll-free line: 1-888-385-4225. 

    Staff are available to receive calls between 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

    • After business hours or on weekends or state holidays: call the Infoline at 2-1-1. 
    • Outside of Connecticut: call the Infoline 24/7 at 1-800-203-1234.
  • By Form: Complete the Report Form (W-675)
    • Email to PSEReferrals.DSS@ct.gov. 
    • Fax to 860-424-5091
    • Mail to DSS/PSE, 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105
  • Online: Complete an online referral *NEW*
  • Tutorial Video on Making an Online Referral

NOTE: For residents in a long-term care facility/nursing home, click here or more information on how to report suspected abuse or neglect.

PSE Service Provision

Program Philosophy

  • Fostering safety while preserving the person’s right of self-determination; 
  • Help the person remain in the living situation they prefer;
  • Safeguard legal rights;
  • Prevent bodily injury or harm;
  • Determine service needs; and
  • Mobilize resources to provide necessary services.

PSE Service Plan

Short term supports offered through the PSE Program may include the following:

  • Crisis
  • Arranging for and coordinating the following services, as needed:
    • Adult day care
    • Companionship
    • Counseling
    • Homemaker
    • Home health care
    • Home-delivered meals
    • Long-term services and supports
    • If necessary, emergency convalescent placement

In extreme cases, DSS can seek court authorization to provide services to a person who, upon professional assessment, presents as lacking the capacity to give consent to reasonable and necessary services to assure personal safety. Under certain circumstances, the Department may apply to the Probate Court for the appointment of a Conservator whose role is to make decisions on behalf of a person in need.