MAARC serves as the statewide intake point; after taking the report, it routes the case to the appropriate county or Tribal social services agency (or to MDH or another licensing board, if the concern involves a licensed provider's compliance) for investigation. MAARC itself does not conduct the on-the-ground investigation — that happens at the county level.
What to do next
Understanding this two-step process helps set realistic expectations for a Twin Cities family who has just made a report: calling MAARC starts the process, but the actual investigation, interviews, and follow-up happen through the receiving county agency, which may take some time depending on caseload and the urgency assigned to the report. Families sometimes worry when they don't hear back immediately, but investigators generally aren't able to share detailed case updates with a reporter due to data privacy protections around vulnerable adult investigations, even when the reporter is a close family member. If a situation escalates or a family feels the response is too slow given the severity of the concern, they can also loop in the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care or, for immediate danger, call 911.
Related questions
- How do I report abuse or neglect at a Twin Cities facility?
- Is MAARC the same everywhere in Minnesota, or does each Twin Cities county have its own abuse hotline?
- What counts as financial exploitation of a senior in Minnesota, and where do I report it?
- Am I a mandated reporter if I suspect a neighbor or relative in senior care is being neglected?