Innovative Program Shines Light on Civil Attorney’s Role in Elder Abuse Cases

Elder abuse cases are extremely complicated and often involve the need for one or more legal interventions. JASA, one of the NYC Elder Abuse Center’s (NYCEAC) partners and one of the largest and most-trusted non-profits serving older adults in NYC, has a unique program that offers social work and civil legal services specifically tailored to the complex needs of elder abuse victims. NYCEAC is excited to highlight JASA’s ground-breaking program entitled, Legal, Social Work, Elder Abuse Program (LEAP). I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Donna Dougherty, Esq., Attorney-in-Charge, for a look inside JASA LEAP and the unique role of an attorney in this work.

Overview of JASA LEAP

Elder abuse victims are often abused by someone close-a family member, such as an adult child or grandchild, or a close friend-causing victims tremendous conflict when determining how to respond to the abuse. JASA LEAP’s staff, sensitive to these complex family dynamics, recognized the need for a multidisciplinary approach with social workers and lawyers working together to provide no-cost social services and legal representation to clients. The first multidisciplinary team of lawyers and social workers was created in Queens, and LEAP now offers services in Manhattan and Brooklyn as well.

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Innovative Program Shines Light on Civil Attorney’s Role in Elder Abuse Cases