A wide range of federal statutes impact the lives and well-being of older adults, enhance their autonomy, protect them against abuse and protect their rights. Those that most directly affect elder justice are described. 

Elder Justice Act 

The Elder Justice Act (EJA) was passed in 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA or "Obamacare), is the first comprehensive legislation addressing abuse. It is due for Re-authorization.The federal government has come to recognize the needs and rights of victims. For more go to EJA.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Protection Act 

The Elder Abuse Prevention and Protection Act (EAPPA) was passed in 2017 to address elder financial abuse and exploitation. It: 

• Established elder justice coordinators in the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and federal judicial districts
• Ordered the creation of tools and resources for training to assist officials 
• Improved data collection on elder abuseat local, state, and federal levels
• Increased the penalties for some types of fraud against elders
• Ordered reviews of federal elder justice programs
• Calls for OVC to provide victim assistance statistics on funding for older victims 

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)

Congress enacted the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in 1984 to address the needs of crime victims. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) within the Department of Justice administers VOCA programs, distributes VOCA funds to states, establishes regulations for how states can use VOCA funds, and provides support for demonstration projects, technical assistance, and professional education programs, including training workshops and a national victims academy. For more, go to VOCA.

Social Services Block Grants (SSBG)

Social Services Block Grants (SSBG) provide for critical health and social services. They are the only federal source of funding for Adult Protective Services and the primary source in many states. For more, go to SSBG.

Older Americans Act (OAA)

The Older Americans Act was passed in 1965. It establishes an infrastructure for aging programs across the country and provides funds for services for older adults, many of which promote elder justice goals. For more, go to OAA.

Pending
Stamp Out Elder Abuse Act
The Act (S. 1784, HR 2719) would establish a semi-postal stamp, also known as a “charity stamp,” to raise awareness and money for addressing elder abuse. The funds would go to elder abuse programs within the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.