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Discover Fauquier
May 2026
24
In the quiet corners of our community,
many adults live in situations that are far
from safe. Whether it is an adult with a
disability struggling to manage on their
own or a senior being targeted by a
scammer, these vulnerabilities are often
invisible until someone steps in. As May
marks Adult Abuse Prevention Month,
Ylva Bauchpies, Adult Services/Adult
Protective Services (AS/APS) family
services worker, and Cindy Giles,
program supervisor for AS/APS at the
Fauquier County Department of Social
Services (DSS) are working to pull back
the curtain on these issues.
Ylva explains that Adult Services is a
proactive, preventive program where
individuals or families reach out because
they need help fi nding resources. APS,
however, is triggered by a report
regarding self-neglect, caregiver neglect,
fi nancial exploitation, physical abuse, or
sexual abuse. When a report comes in,
the team begins a thorough investigation,
often collaborating with law enforcement
and medical professionals. In 2025 alone,
the department handled 417 valid
investigations.
Financial exploitation has become a
particularly considerable hurdle. Cindy
and Ylva have seen residents lose
everything to scams initiated via
Facebook, text, or mail. Scammers often
prey on loneliness, establishing
"relationships" that feel incredibly real to
the victim. While law enforcement
handles the criminal aspect, APS
focuses on stopping the abuse and
educating the individual. However, they
note adults have the right to spend their
money as they wish unless a court
deems them incapacitated. This makes
early intervention and community
awareness vital.
A common myth the department faces is
the idea that APS exists to pull people out
of their homes and into facilities. Cindy is
quick to clarify that their goal is the exact
opposite. They want people to age in
place with safety and dignity. They
always look for the least restrictive way
to help, even if that simply means staying
in touch with a lonely adult who isn't
ready for more formal care. Ylva notes
that they strive to respect their clients'
wishes while alleviating the risk of harm.
The department also connects residents
with resources like the food bank, Meals
on Wheels, Voltran for transportation,
a n d " T w o ' s C o m p a n y " f o r
companionship. A unique opportunity is
the Adult Foster Care program available
through DSS, allowing residents to open
their homes to a senior citizen who
needs a family setting but not
intense medical care.
Recognizing the signs of trouble is
a responsibility shared by the
whole community. Warning signs
can include sudden weight loss,
poor hygiene, or unexplained
bruising. At home, hoarding or a
lack of cleanliness can signal a
crisis, though these are often
hidden until an emergency worker
enters the house. Behavioral changes,
like getting lost while driving or becoming
isolated from friends and family members
by an individual, are also red flags for
abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
If you suspect a senior citizen or adult
with a disability is being abused,
neglected, or exploited, you can call
DSS at
(5 40) 422- 8400 during
business hours or the 24/7 state
hotline at
(888) 832-3858. Reports can
also be made at
reportadultabuse.
com. Whether you remain anonymous
or not, the most important thing is to
speak up. Not all wounds are visible,
and sometimes the best way to help is
simply to pay attention.
Guarding the Golden
Years: Understanding Adult
Abuse Prevention
~ Nancy Griffi n-Bonnaire
540-216-3636
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