The county Job and Family Services department screens and, where appropriate, investigates the report. Specific procedures and timelines vary by county and by the nature of the concern -- contact your county's JFS office directly for details on what to expect.
What to do next
Families reporting for the first time often want to know exactly what happens next, and the honest answer is that it depends on your county and the specifics of the situation. In general, a trained caseworker will assess the report, may contact the individual involved (with appropriate care given the sensitivity of the situation), and will determine what intervention, if any, is warranted. If you've made a report and are concerned about follow-through, it's reasonable to check back with the county JFS office directly rather than assuming no news means no action.
Related questions
- How do I report suspected elder abuse or neglect in Hamilton County?
- Who handles Adult Protective Services in Butler, Warren and Clermont counties?
- What counts as reportable abuse or neglect of a senior in Ohio?
- Is a facility licensing complaint the same thing as an APS report?
- Can I report elder financial exploitation even if I'm not sure money has actually been taken?