Social work services

We protect and empower individuals and families in CT

Social Work Services are vital for those served by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Our team of professional social workers support individuals, families, and communities as they work to navigate challenges and improve their daily lives.

You can receive support from Social Work Services through a variety of services, such as:

Protective Services for the Elderly
Long-term Care Investigations
Social Work In-home Support
Individual and Family Services
Conservator of Estate or Person

Discover how Social Work Services can serve you with respect and dignity.

Contact Social Work Services

Protective Services for the Elderly

We ensure the safety of older adults in CT

Our goal is to help older adults live with dignity and respect. Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) works to achieve this by investigating reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, and exploitation of people aged 60 and older.

PSE also arranges for and facilitates access to services for older adults, such as:

Adult day care and companionship
Counseling and home health care
Long-term services and supports

Get more info on Protective Services for the Elderly

Learn more about PSE

Information and resources

Training videos

Report elder abuse

Do you suspect that a person age 60 or older is being abused, neglected, exploited, or abandoned?

Anyone can (and should) report elder abuse. If you suspect that someone aged 60 or older is being mistreated, please file a report. To report elder abuse, you can:< /p>

Call our toll-free line. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After business hours, weekends, or state holidays, please call 2-1-1. Outside of CT: call the 24/7 Infoline at 1-800-203-1234.
Fill out a report form (W-675). Email to PSERReferrls.DSS@ct.gov, fax to 806-424-5091, or mail to DSS/PSE, 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105.
Complete an online report.

Long-term Care Investigations

Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation in nursing homes

Mandatory reporters must file reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in a long-term care facilities with DSS. Social Work Services will then investigate the claim, assess the situation, and report their findings. This process only applies to mandatory reporters. To file a report:

Online: Submit an online referral
Fax: Complete the Form W-410 and fax to 860-424-5091

Learn more about DSS long-term care investigations

Domestic violence shelters and services

Are you or a loved one experiencing domestic violence?

The Department of Social Services (DSS) contracts with non-profit organizations, like the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence to provide free and confidential support to victims of domestic violence. These services can include emergency food and living expenses, preventive education programs, shelter services, social services, and more. Call the CT Safe Connect Crisis line or visit their website for resources and information.

More Social Work Services

Social Work In-home Support

Get the support you need to live independently. Connecticut residents ages 18 to 64 with disabilities may qualify for certain non-medical homecare services.

Find services, eligibility, and apply

Individual and Family Services

Need help to improve your life and become self-sufficient? Social work services may be able to provide you with crisis intervention and information and referrals support.

Find out if you qualify and apply

Conservator of Estate and/or Person

Learn more about what services the Department of Social Services provides when we are appointed by the Probate Court as a Conservator of Estate or Person.

Get more info on conservatorships