Helping a Vulnerable Adult Get Support and Receiving Reports of Abuse, Neglect or Self Neglect
An adult who cannot manage their own financial, legal and personal care matters are vulnerable in our society. They may find routine banking and legal matters difficult or even impossible, lose track of bank accounts, forget to pay bills or be persuaded to turn property over to strangers.
Each year many people call the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) to find out what they can do to help a friend or relative who is not able to manage finances, legal matters and health and personal decisions on their own or to report possible abuse, neglect or self neglect of an adult who may not be able to manage independently.
It can sometimes be difficult to know if or when to step in. Sometimes adults cannot seek the help they need because of a physical restraint, a physical disability, an illness, disease, injury or other condition that affects their ability to make decisions.
Making Reports of Abuse, Neglect or Self Neglect to Designated Agencies
If you have concerns that an adult is abused, neglected or self neglecting and is refusing support and assistance, and appears to be mentally incapable or physically unable to get help on their own, then you can report the situation to a Designated Agency. These are your regional health authority or Community Living BC (for adults with a developmental disability). Under the Adult Guardianship Act, these agencies are responsible for responding to reports of abuse, neglect and self neglect of adults who cannot get help on their own.
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) is committed to protecting the privacy of persons whose personal information is held by the PGT. Under section 17(3) of the Public Guardian and Trustee Act the Public Guardian and Trustee must not disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of a person who makes a report resulting in an investigation or audit under s.17 of the Public Guardian and Trustee Act. Any personal information provided to the PGT is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other applicable legislation.
The following contact information will help you reach your local Designated Agency.
Use the attached referral form (link provided below) to make a report to the PGT. Please fill in the referral form as much as possible. Using the manual version, you can print it out and mail or fax the completed form to the PGT Regional office in your area. Using the electronic form, you can fill it in online and submit via email.
Please click on the PDF file you wish to use:
AIS Referral Form (Manual)
AIS Referral Form (Electronic)
For more information about helping to support vulnerable adults requiring assistance, please see the PGT Reports and Publications page.
How the PGT Responds to Reports of Financial Abuse or Misconduct
When the PGT receives reports or allegations of financial abuse, our staff will gather information, take steps to protect assets and determine if formal arrangements are required. Often the PGT will coordinate informal resolutions and recommend options and community resources rather than becoming directly involved. While the PGT can step in to assist, the most knowledgeable, caring and compassionate assistance most often comes from a loved one.
Where the formal assistance of the PGT is required, our staff will determine the least restrictive and least intrusive legal option necessary and ensure that any required medical assessments, notifications and legal steps are coordinated.
See our Contact Us page for PGT regional contact information to discuss options to assist someone or to report suspected financial abuse or misconduct.
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