The Direct Practice Committee provides resources to front-line practitioners and identifying the services to reduce and/or eliminate elder abuse.
The Direct Practice Committee focuses providing resources to front-line practitioners and the services and responses they provide, including: (1) caregivers; (2) first responders and investigators such as adult protective services workers, emergency medical technicians , law enforcement and state licensing and oversight agencies; (3) health care and mental health providers and case managers (4) aging services network personnel, senior centers, meals on wheels, social service providers: (5) legal surrogates which include, guardians, powers of attorney and others; (6) victim advocates who focus on trauma services, safety planning, shelter and advocacy such as domestic violence and/or sexual assault; (7) legal system responders such as prosecutors, elder law and public interest attorneys and court personnel; (8) ombudsmen who advocate for persons in long-term care residential facilities by resolving complaints about and promoting resident health, safety, well-being and rights; (9) financial services industry entities, such as banks and brokers; and (10) members of the faith community.
Unreported of elder abuse remains a significant public health problem. For every one case that comes to light, many cases of elder abuse remain hidden. Individuals who do not specialize and are not trained in elder abuse issues (e.g., police officers, bank tellers, letter carriers, or clergy) may be the only ones in a position to notice that abuse may be occurring. Each in their roles are potential allies and their involvement is critical to promoting a coordinated community response to elder abuse.
Committee meetings are held quarterly by conference calls.
The Education Committee conducts outreach efforts to raise public awareness and to educate first responders and service providers to prevent, identify and investigate elder abuse cases.
Committee efforts focus on expanding education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of elder abuse to the public and professionals alike. Education is key to early detection, prevention and increased reporting of elder abuse cases. Topics focus on elder abuse research, policies, and interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in combating elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The committee sponsors annual events that afford educational opportunities cross the state with the primary goal of expanding positive outcomes for elder abuse victims state-wide.
Committee meetings are held quarterly by conference calls.
The Policy Committee focuses on identifying a variety of potential policy responses to elder abuse.
The Policy Committee leads, push, keeps track of, and/or analyze policy in responses to elder abuse. Elder policies include: promulgation of laws, regulations, and guidance by government entities at all levels; implementation and enforcement of laws and policies; initiatives that support, evaluate and develop new policy or lead efforts to prevent or address elder abuse.
Specific policy-related priorities include but not limited:
- Adult Protective Services
- Criminal Justice System
- Community Long-Term Care and Supports
- Public Health Policies
Committee meetings are held quarterly by conference calls.
The Research Committee cultivates research by mentoring elder justice researchers.
The Research Committee focuses on promoting and expanding statewide elder abuse research efforts. Research is vital to identifying tools and resources to detect and respond effectively to elder abuse. Statewide research is needed that especially calls out for a coordinated, systematic approach that includes policy-makers, researchers and funders. The committee focuses on methods that highlight successful research and collaborations that have taken place statewide, brainstorm ideas for new research and foster collaborative efforts between working professionals. Researchers and practitioners need to work together in all phases of research, including identifying research questions, interpreting results, and disseminating information.
Committee meetings are held quarterly by conference calls.