In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day we’re shinning our spotlight on the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Elder/Dependent Adult Protection unit. Elder abuse cases are vastly under-reported. The unit, staffed by ACBA Board Member Cheryl Poncini, aims to increase reporting by partnering with other local advocates to increase awareness.
One of the projects administered by the DA’s office is the Elder Abuse Protection Project, a court calendar dedicated to elder abuse cases. The separate calendar offers elders a shorter wait time in the courtroom and provides greater privacy for public hearings dealing with very personal matters. The calendar is heard weekly at each of the four courthouses (to be closer to the petitioners’ homes), starting late in the morning in order to give seniors more time to travel to court.
Did you Know?
Resources
Download the elder abuse brochure, Protecting the Elderly from Abuse, provided by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Elder/Dependent Adult Protection unit here:
Do you have clients who act as financial caregivers? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau put together a great resource for people who want to help their loved ones manage their finances called Managing Someone Else’s Money. These booklets include powers of attorney, court-appointed guardians, trustees, and government fiduciaries.
