ReAct Adult Protection Program

Overview
Resources

The ReAct Adult Protection Program receives reports, provides consultation and coordinates responses to abused, neglected and self-neglected vulnerable adults who cannot seek support and assistance on their own.

What is adult abuse and neglect?

Abuse is the deliberate mistreatment of an adult that causes physical, mental or emotional harm, or causes damage to or loss of assets.

Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, assistance, guidance or attention that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause the person physical, mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assets.

Self-neglect is any failure of an adult to take care of themselves that causes, or is reasonably likely to cause within a short period of time, serious physical, mental or emotional harm or substantial damage to or loss of assets.

Learn more about adult abuse and neglect

Report adult abuse and neglect

If you suspect that a vulnerable adult has been physically, sexually, psychologically or financially abused or is the victim of neglect or self-neglect, report concerns in the link below.

Report adult abuse and neglect

What to expect

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for responding to and investigating situations of abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults who are experiencing reduced capacity to look after their own interests, needs and well-being and are unable to seek support and assistance on their own due to:

physical restraint,
a disability that limits their ability to seek help, or,
an illness, disease, injury or any other condition that affects decision-making abilities.

This includes individuals with physical, sensory, mental health and intellectual disabilities, as well as some frail seniors and adults whose circumstances render them more susceptible to harm from themselves or others.

Referrals to this program will be responded to in accordance with the Adult Guardianship Act and Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act.

The Adult Guardianship Act provides VCH with the ability to intervene in emergencies and investigate situations where vulnerable adults are living at risk, and applies to abuse, neglect or self-neglect in a public place, the adult’s home, a care facility or any other place except a correctional facility.