The client's right to self-determination and least restrictive alternatives to care are implicit in the protective services system model developed. Two other important principles are maintenance and support of the family support network whenever possible and use of community-based service alternatives, rather than institutionalization of the victims, whenever possible. General systems characteristics of the model are preplanned individual case responses or protocols which will enable the system to respond quickly and properly to the type of case confronted and the capacity for a coordinated, interdisciplinary response by the service system to both the emergency and chronic conditions exhibited by these cases. Core services should include protective services worker, case assessment team, primary health care, legal services, homemaker/home health aide services, transportation, nutrition, financial assistance, police, emergency services, and followup. Additional supportive services are emergency shelter, foster care, and day care for elders. The model also includes certain uniform elements of a statewide adult protective services system. The basic client typologies also are discussed. The proposed model is used to evaluate three Massachusetts project sites for the development of protective services for the elderly.