Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 33, § 6901

The purpose of this chapter is to protect vulnerable adults whose health and welfare may be adversely affected through abuse, neglect, or exploitation; provide a temporary or permanent nurturing and safe environment for vulnerable adults when necessary; and for these purposes to require the reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and the investigation of such reports and provision of services, when needed; and to intervene in the family or substitute care situation only when necessary to ensure proper care and protection of a vulnerable adult or to carry out other statutory responsibilities.