January/February 2019
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News & Updates Archive
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CEJC News
CEJC Ends 2018 with A Strong Record of Accomplishments
CEJC has a lot to show for 2018! Among its accomplishments are strengthening protections for older Californians, fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the country, and spreading the word about elder justice through the following:
CEJC Ends 2018 with A Strong Record of Accomplishments
CEJC has a lot to show for 2018! Among its accomplishments are strengthening protections for older Californians, fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the country, and spreading the word about elder justice through the following:
- Co-sponsored HomeSafe homelessness prevention pilot project and consulted in its design.
- Co-sponsored SB SB 1320 (Stern) to allow victims of elder or dependent adult abuse to be eligible for the California Address Confidentiality Program known as Safe at Home.
- Spearheaded an effort to resist threats to geriatric mental health resources.
- Launched National Advocates Academy. Academy activities include:
- Five webinars for 600 advocates in 40 states on 1) building a national elder justice movement, 2) engaging financial institution in abuse investigations, 3) international financial crimes, 4) elder homelessness, and 5)innovations in undue influence prevention
- "Toolkits" on: raising awareness of elder justice, financial crimes, elder homelessness, undue influence, and the impact of the opioid epidemic on older adults.
- Launched Twitter page.
- Collaborated with partners to start National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions.
- Conducted two-day training for victim assistance programs funded by the California Office for Emergency Services.
- Presented at National Professional Forums, including the annual conferences of the American Society on Aging and the National Adult Protective Services Association.
Farewell & Thank You to Advocates Academy Coordinator Kevin Bigelow
CEJC would like to recognize Kevin Bigelow for his many contributions to CEJC as Advocates Academy Coordinator. Kevin was instrumental in managing the logistics of our Advocates Academy webinars from selecting a webinar service, to coordinating schedules with our guest speakers, to communicating webinar details to the attendees. His hard work ensured that CEJC's first year of Advocates Academy was a success. He also helped create Advocates Academy Toolkit pages, and launched CEJC's social media presence with a Twitter account. (Follow us if you are not already!)
Thank you Kevin! CEJC will miss you and we wish you and all the best in your future endeavors.
CEJC would like to recognize Kevin Bigelow for his many contributions to CEJC as Advocates Academy Coordinator. Kevin was instrumental in managing the logistics of our Advocates Academy webinars from selecting a webinar service, to coordinating schedules with our guest speakers, to communicating webinar details to the attendees. His hard work ensured that CEJC's first year of Advocates Academy was a success. He also helped create Advocates Academy Toolkit pages, and launched CEJC's social media presence with a Twitter account. (Follow us if you are not already!)
Thank you Kevin! CEJC will miss you and we wish you and all the best in your future endeavors.
California News
Update on Home Safe Homelessness Prevention Pilots
The deadline has passed for Home Safe proposals to be submitted to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), which is implementing the program. Home Safe was spearheaded by the County Welfare Directors Association and co-sponsored by CEJC and the California Commission on Aging. CDSS has given extensions to 4 counties for fire-related reasons but is expecting a total of 36 proposals from APS programs around the state. It plans to announce funded projects in early January.
Update on Home Safe Homelessness Prevention Pilots
The deadline has passed for Home Safe proposals to be submitted to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), which is implementing the program. Home Safe was spearheaded by the County Welfare Directors Association and co-sponsored by CEJC and the California Commission on Aging. CDSS has given extensions to 4 counties for fire-related reasons but is expecting a total of 36 proposals from APS programs around the state. It plans to announce funded projects in early January.
CALOES Funds 13 New Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDTs)
California's Office of Emergency Services has announced funding for 13 new MDTs, bringing the total to 25. The new recipients are San Mateo County; Women's Transitional Living Center, Inc; County of Yolo; Women Escaping a Violent Environment; VIP Community Mental Health Center, Inc; Foothill Family Service; Placer County District Attorney; Healthy House Within a MATCH Coalition; South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency; Lao Family Community Development, Inc; Fathers & Families of San Joaquin; County of Los Angeles; and Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Inc. Once again, CEJC and its partners, CDSS and the California Commission on Aging, will conduct an intensive training for currently funded and newly funded teams in April.
California's Office of Emergency Services has announced funding for 13 new MDTs, bringing the total to 25. The new recipients are San Mateo County; Women's Transitional Living Center, Inc; County of Yolo; Women Escaping a Violent Environment; VIP Community Mental Health Center, Inc; Foothill Family Service; Placer County District Attorney; Healthy House Within a MATCH Coalition; South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency; Lao Family Community Development, Inc; Fathers & Families of San Joaquin; County of Los Angeles; and Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Inc. Once again, CEJC and its partners, CDSS and the California Commission on Aging, will conduct an intensive training for currently funded and newly funded teams in April.
New Members, Leaders of Assembly Aging Committee Named
Two new appointments to the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long Term Care have been made: Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian has been named Chair, and Assemblymember Randy Voepel has been named Vice Chair. The Committee's previous Chair, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, will continue to serve with other members Tasha Boerner Horvath, Tom Lackey, Eloise Reyes, and Blanca Rubio.
Two new appointments to the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long Term Care have been made: Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian has been named Chair, and Assemblymember Randy Voepel has been named Vice Chair. The Committee's previous Chair, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, will continue to serve with other members Tasha Boerner Horvath, Tom Lackey, Eloise Reyes, and Blanca Rubio.
California Ranked Dismal 48th Among States for Elder Abuse Protections
WalletHub, a website that provides free credit scores and reports, compared abuse protections in the 50 states and DC based on multiple criteria, ranging from share of elder-abuse, neglect and exploitation complaints to financial elder-abuse laws. See States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections for the methods, results, and experts' commentaries.
WalletHub, a website that provides free credit scores and reports, compared abuse protections in the 50 states and DC based on multiple criteria, ranging from share of elder-abuse, neglect and exploitation complaints to financial elder-abuse laws. See States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections for the methods, results, and experts' commentaries.
State News, Other States
Ohio Stakeholders Prioritize Elder Abuse Research Needs
A newly released study by the Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission suggests how experts in the state would prioritize funds for elder abuse research. It is based on a survey of 459 practitioners, senior service administrators, researchers, advocates, and others across the state that asked respondents to allocate a hypothetical $1,000 for research on abuse, with respondents asked to chose among six possible research questions. Responders allocated an average of $263 for research on “What programs and policies can best prevent elder abuse before it happens?” and $227 for “What programs and policies can best serve victims after elder abuse has begun?.” The priorities were consistent among advocates and researchers and for respondents from both urban and rural regions. The Ohio Elder Abuse Commission plans to inform key stakeholders, including researchers, administrators, practitioners, policy makers, and funders about the results.
Ohio Stakeholders Prioritize Elder Abuse Research Needs
A newly released study by the Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission suggests how experts in the state would prioritize funds for elder abuse research. It is based on a survey of 459 practitioners, senior service administrators, researchers, advocates, and others across the state that asked respondents to allocate a hypothetical $1,000 for research on abuse, with respondents asked to chose among six possible research questions. Responders allocated an average of $263 for research on “What programs and policies can best prevent elder abuse before it happens?” and $227 for “What programs and policies can best serve victims after elder abuse has begun?.” The priorities were consistent among advocates and researchers and for respondents from both urban and rural regions. The Ohio Elder Abuse Commission plans to inform key stakeholders, including researchers, administrators, practitioners, policy makers, and funders about the results.
National News
Lori Delagrammatikas Named New NAPSA Executive Director
Kathleen Quinn, former and Acting Director of the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), has announced the selection of Lori Delagrammatikas as NAPSA's new Executive Director, starting January 21, 2019. Lori, who currently serves as APS Liaison for the California Department of Social Services, is a founding CEJC memeber and served on the Steering Committee. Congratulations Lori!
Lori Delagrammatikas Named New NAPSA Executive Director
Kathleen Quinn, former and Acting Director of the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), has announced the selection of Lori Delagrammatikas as NAPSA's new Executive Director, starting January 21, 2019. Lori, who currently serves as APS Liaison for the California Department of Social Services, is a founding CEJC memeber and served on the Steering Committee. Congratulations Lori!
Public Charge Rule Change Threatens Immigrant Families
The Trump Administration has proposed a "public charge" rule change that could reduce access to programs that support health, nutrition, and economic stability by immigrants and their families. Alliance for Justice is spearheading an effort to push back on the rule change and has produced a webinar and template to help frame the issue. For more on how the rule will affect older adults go to http://www.justiceinaging.org/public-charge-and-immigrant-seniors/
The Trump Administration has proposed a "public charge" rule change that could reduce access to programs that support health, nutrition, and economic stability by immigrants and their families. Alliance for Justice is spearheading an effort to push back on the rule change and has produced a webinar and template to help frame the issue. For more on how the rule will affect older adults go to http://www.justiceinaging.org/public-charge-and-immigrant-seniors/
Summit Highlights Rural and Tribal Elders
In November, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) sponsored the Rural and Tribal Elder Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss challenges to protecting the 20% of older Americans who live in rural communities. The event was part of a larger collaboration between DOJ and the Department of Agriculture to explore how geographic isolation increases vulnerability to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Topics included the emerging role of tele-health and tele-medicine in accessing services. Houston's TEAM- Forensic Assessment Center Network, which links geriatric and elder abuse experts to APS caseworkers and their clients across the state, was among the models highlighted.
In November, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) sponsored the Rural and Tribal Elder Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss challenges to protecting the 20% of older Americans who live in rural communities. The event was part of a larger collaboration between DOJ and the Department of Agriculture to explore how geographic isolation increases vulnerability to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Topics included the emerging role of tele-health and tele-medicine in accessing services. Houston's TEAM- Forensic Assessment Center Network, which links geriatric and elder abuse experts to APS caseworkers and their clients across the state, was among the models highlighted.
Senate Holds Hearing on Guardianship Reform
On November 28, the Senate Special Committee on Aging convened “Ensuring Trust: Strengthening State Efforts to Overhaul the Guardianship Process and Protect Older Americans.” The hearing focused on: the oversight of guardians, alternatives to guardianship, the restoration of rights, and the need for better data. The Committee released a report in conjunction with the hearing that is available here. Committee Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member, Bob Casey have further authored the “Guardianship Accountability Act” to promote information sharing among courts, local organizations, state and federal entities; encourage the use of background checks and less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and expand the availability of federal grants to improve the guardianship system. To watch the hearing and read statements and testimony, click here.
On November 28, the Senate Special Committee on Aging convened “Ensuring Trust: Strengthening State Efforts to Overhaul the Guardianship Process and Protect Older Americans.” The hearing focused on: the oversight of guardians, alternatives to guardianship, the restoration of rights, and the need for better data. The Committee released a report in conjunction with the hearing that is available here. Committee Chair Susan Collins and Ranking Member, Bob Casey have further authored the “Guardianship Accountability Act” to promote information sharing among courts, local organizations, state and federal entities; encourage the use of background checks and less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, and expand the availability of federal grants to improve the guardianship system. To watch the hearing and read statements and testimony, click here.
NAMRS: What It Is and Why You Should Care
This blog post by Maria Greene and Andrew Capehart for the USC Center on Elder Mistreatment provides an update on the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS), a data collection system designed for state APS programs to provide consistent national data on abuse reported to APS agencies. The post provides data from the recently released 2017 NAMRS reports. See NAMRS: What It Is and Why You Should Care.
This blog post by Maria Greene and Andrew Capehart for the USC Center on Elder Mistreatment provides an update on the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS), a data collection system designed for state APS programs to provide consistent national data on abuse reported to APS agencies. The post provides data from the recently released 2017 NAMRS reports. See NAMRS: What It Is and Why You Should Care.
New Resources
New Tools to Assist in Financial Exploitation Investigations
Dr. Peter Lichtenberg, the director of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University and colleagues have released the "Older Adult Nest Egg Tools" for evaluating older adults" decision-making abilities, psychological vulnerability, and susceptibility to exploitation. They can be used to set a baseline or immediately after suspected exploitation. It provides a score of risk and recommends next steps. For more, go to https://olderadultnestegg.com.
New Tools to Assist in Financial Exploitation Investigations
Dr. Peter Lichtenberg, the director of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University and colleagues have released the "Older Adult Nest Egg Tools" for evaluating older adults" decision-making abilities, psychological vulnerability, and susceptibility to exploitation. They can be used to set a baseline or immediately after suspected exploitation. It provides a score of risk and recommends next steps. For more, go to https://olderadultnestegg.com.
NCEA's Elder Justice Policy Highlights
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) posts quarterly updates on elder justice legislation based on information identified via its Listserv and independent websites. It's intended to reflect highlights across the nation and is not comprehensive. States are encouraged to contribute by sending updates on significant legislative action to Ageless Alliance at [email protected]. For the latest issue, go to NCEA's EJ Policy Highlights.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) posts quarterly updates on elder justice legislation based on information identified via its Listserv and independent websites. It's intended to reflect highlights across the nation and is not comprehensive. States are encouraged to contribute by sending updates on significant legislative action to Ageless Alliance at [email protected]. For the latest issue, go to NCEA's EJ Policy Highlights.
Using Law and Policy to Support Healthy Aging Webinar
This December 11, 2018 webinar, hosted by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), focused on using laws and policies to create supportive and connected communities for older adults. It was part of the Healthy People Law and Health Policy Project, the goal of which is to highlight how evidence-based legal and policy interventions and strategies can advance Healthy People (ODPHP's master plan for the nation's health). The project is a collaboration among ODPHP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. See Using Law and Policy to Support Healthy Aging.
This December 11, 2018 webinar, hosted by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), focused on using laws and policies to create supportive and connected communities for older adults. It was part of the Healthy People Law and Health Policy Project, the goal of which is to highlight how evidence-based legal and policy interventions and strategies can advance Healthy People (ODPHP's master plan for the nation's health). The project is a collaboration among ODPHP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the CDC Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. See Using Law and Policy to Support Healthy Aging.
Reports & Research
NEJM Highlights "Social Determinants"
The highly regarded New England Journal of Medicine will be devoting a new section to case studies that highlight social determinants, which the Centers for Disease Control and Health Promotion defines as “preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged population groups, and communities." Increasingly, researchers are exploring the role of social determinants in heightening the risk of elder abuse.
NEJM Highlights "Social Determinants"
The highly regarded New England Journal of Medicine will be devoting a new section to case studies that highlight social determinants, which the Centers for Disease Control and Health Promotion defines as “preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged population groups, and communities." Increasingly, researchers are exploring the role of social determinants in heightening the risk of elder abuse.
Media Watch
USA Today Focus on Abuse Reports and Self Neglect
This comprehensive report highlights new federal data obtained by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting (NECIR), including data from the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System. It highlights underreporting, the role of loneliness in elder abuse, and self neglect. See New USA Data Show Hundreds of Thousands of Elder Abuse Cases Even With Huge Reporting Gaps.
USA Today Focus on Abuse Reports and Self Neglect
This comprehensive report highlights new federal data obtained by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting (NECIR), including data from the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System. It highlights underreporting, the role of loneliness in elder abuse, and self neglect. See New USA Data Show Hundreds of Thousands of Elder Abuse Cases Even With Huge Reporting Gaps.
When Private Equity Firms Care for America's Vulnerable
This chilling Washington Post article describes what happens when the ManorCare nursing home chain, the second-largest in the country, was taken over by the Carlyle Group, one of the richest private-equity firms in the world. See Overdoses, Bedsores, Broken Bones.
This chilling Washington Post article describes what happens when the ManorCare nursing home chain, the second-largest in the country, was taken over by the Carlyle Group, one of the richest private-equity firms in the world. See Overdoses, Bedsores, Broken Bones.
Weigh In
What Changes Should SSA Make to Representative Payee Policy?
As is often the case with tools that were created to help vulnerable people resist abuse, representative payeeships can become licenses to steal when they fall into the wrong hands. On April 13, 2018, Congress passed the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 that requires the Social Security Administration to review their processes for selecting and overseeing representative payees and to seek public comment in doing so. In particular, they are interested in whom they give preference to (e.g. families, non-profits, public agencies). Comments are due by January 28, 2019. For more, see Review and Reassessment of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Representative Payee Selection and Replacement Policies.
What Changes Should SSA Make to Representative Payee Policy?
As is often the case with tools that were created to help vulnerable people resist abuse, representative payeeships can become licenses to steal when they fall into the wrong hands. On April 13, 2018, Congress passed the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 that requires the Social Security Administration to review their processes for selecting and overseeing representative payees and to seek public comment in doing so. In particular, they are interested in whom they give preference to (e.g. families, non-profits, public agencies). Comments are due by January 28, 2019. For more, see Review and Reassessment of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Representative Payee Selection and Replacement Policies.