With state officials predicting more than 100,000 cases of elder abuse next year, Kildee and other federal lawmakers are pushing for new legislation that would use $100 million to help local agencies find and address such incidences.
The Elder Justice Act would create offices of elder justice at the federal departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. Those offices, said Kildee, would raise the profile of the issue and make it easier to get federal money into communities such as Genesee County. "They're on the front lines," he said.
Any federal money would be welcome, said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. The Genesee County Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation program currently relies on about $750,000 in funding from the county's $8-million senior citizen millage.
Full Article and Source:
Lawmakers push for federal Elder Justice Act
The Elder Justice Act would create offices of elder justice at the federal departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. Those offices, said Kildee, would raise the profile of the issue and make it easier to get federal money into communities such as Genesee County. "They're on the front lines," he said.
Any federal money would be welcome, said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton. The Genesee County Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation program currently relies on about $750,000 in funding from the county's $8-million senior citizen millage.
Full Article and Source:
Lawmakers push for federal Elder Justice Act
Better protection against elder abuse is always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteBut, what people have to realize is elder abuse really is a generic word for anything convenient.
There needs to be true definitions and plans in place before creating more bureaucracy.
With the Baby Boomers coming "of age," elder abuse will grow.
ReplyDeleteThese services are very much needed.
One way to save money is to have the swift court proceedings with the harshest punishments for the offenders.
ReplyDeleteWhen convicted, prison is mandatory no probation no community service no slap on the wrist.
Anything less than that is an invitation to those with evil criminal minds and intentions to take the risk hoping they won't get caught or sent to prison.
Prison is the one thing most sane people want to avoid.
I would like to see Genesee County Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation program come out with acknowledgment of guardianship abuse and a committment to fight it.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, I see their view of elder abuse to be selective.