Developing an Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Community Alliance

Transcription

1 Developing an Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention Community Alliance Presented by: Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Inc. Pottsville, Pennsylvania

2 S.E.A.P.A., Inc. Through the Years History: How We Began Maintenance and Growth Accomplishments

3 In the United States, the 2010 Census recorded the greatest number and proportion of people age 65 and older in all of the decennial census history: 40.3 Million, or 13% of the total population. By 2050, people age 65 and older are expected to comprise 20% of the total population. The fastest growing segment of American s population consists of those 85 and up. In 2010, there were 5.8 million people aged 85 or older. By 2050, it is projected that there will be 19 million aged 85 or older. All statistical information is courtesy of the National Coalition on Elder Abuse website (

4 Incidence and Prevalence of Abuse The most recent major studies on incidence reported: 7.6% - 10% of study participants experienced abuse in the prior year. 1 in 10 adults experiencing abuse did not include financial abuse. State Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) agencies show an increasing trend in the reporting of elder abuse. Despite the accessibility of OAPS, as well as mandatory reporting laws, an overwhelming number of cases of abuse go undetected and untreated. One study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever comes to the attention of authorities. The New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study found that for every case known to programs and agencies, 24 were unknown. Major financial exploitation was self-reported at a rate of 41 per 1,000 surveyed which was higher than self-reported emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect.

5 Our Beginnings The Schuylkill County Elder Abuse Task Force, now known as the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Inc. (SEAPA, Inc.) was formulated after a local certified elder law attorney (CELA) contacted a County Commissioner when he realized the number of cases of financial exploitation reported to his practice was on the rise. The Commissioner contacted the Director of the County Area Agency on Aging to explore the idea of an organization designed to partner with the local AAA to pro-actively curb elder abuse in the County. In early 2005, the Commissioner established a steering committee comprised of the same elder law attorney, AAA Director, President Judge of the Appellate Court, OAPS Supervisor, county grant writer, and the Commissioner.

6 Direction and Support The committee then engaged Dr. Ronald W. Costen, Ph.D., Esq., then-director of the Temple University (Pennsylvania) Institute on Protective Services. Temple received a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to educate caseworkers on techniques of early investigation of elder abuse. Through the PCCD grant, Temple also provided assistance to the AAA and the District Attorney s office to document and prosecute cases of financial abuse. An additional grant was provided by the late State Senator James J. Rhoades. Today, the county provides an annual contribution of $5, In March, 2007, the task force voted to convert to an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation known as the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Inc. (SEAPA, Inc.). The group consists of members and includes representatives from the banking industry, clergy, long-term care, law enforcement, funeral directors, health care providers, educators, advocacy agencies, and the legal community.

7 SEAPA, Inc. Objectives SEAPA, Inc. has striven to pursue the same objectives established by the task force: Promote Awareness of Elder Abuse in Schuylkill County Provide Education and Training to various groups on how to identify, prevent, and report elder abuse Prosecute perpetrators of crimes against the elderly

8 The Story of Louie Long

9 Sub-Committee Support and Requirements If a group is to produce positive outcomes, all members must be actively engaged rather than relying on a small cluster of worker bees. Each member is required to become a member of a Sub-Committee, which includes: Public Awareness* Education and Training* Enforcement / Prosecution Financial Nominating While not every member is anxious to join a sub-committee, the success of the Alliance may require assigning an individual based on their strengths and weaknesses and assuring full, active participation on that committee. *In recent years, the Public Awareness and Education/Training committees were combined.

10 Successes vs Pit Falls Many of our members bring individual talents to the table that have benefitted us at times when it was least expected. Examples include: a member of the Alliance is an attorney, but also a CPA. We were able to obtain tax exempt status with his assistance, at no cost to the group above normal filing fees. Another member is the administrator of a long-term care facility. This facility provides a monthly meeting space and meal for the Board as part of its community outreach program. A third member is a local clergy person who has provided space for community education presentations at no charge.

11 Successes vs Pit Falls (cont d.) A large group of professionals brings with it a large group of personalities. Try to avoid self-promotion, cliques, and complacency. The Board should be versed in group dynamics, learn and understand individual personalities, and be able to give and receive constructive criticism.

12 Community Connections Our goal is to provide a minimum of 1 training annually to groups who have regular contact with elders, which have included: Law Enforcement Bankers Home Health Agencies Clergy EMTs / Paramedics Coroners / Funeral Directors Social Workers Sponsorship and Membership in local organizations open the doors to outreach opportunities: Chamber of Commerce (sponsorship of a Breakfast Meeting annually with Networking) PA LINK to Aging and Disability Resources ADRC Aging / Disability Resource Center Sponsor of a Legislative Symposium to maintain connection with local government representatives

13 Community Connections (cont d.) Our largest Public Awareness campaign takes place in May National Older Americans Month. Our Silver Ribbon Month observance includes delivery of silver lapel ribbons to local businesses, organizations, church congregations, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and advocacy agencies. Large display ribbons are sold to many of these same groups. To date, over 7,500 lapel ribbons and hundreds of display ribbons have been distributed county-wide.

14 The Hornbrook Memorial Award Professor John Hornbrook taught at Penn State University / Schuylkill Campus and was a victim of financial abuse. After his perpetrators were brought to justice, he vowed to bequeath his estate to 3 benefactors upon his passing: 1) The Make-a-Wish Foundation, 2) The SPCA, and 3) SEAPA. A perpetual trust was established for each of these organizations. We honor Professor Hornbrook s memory annually at a luncheon by presenting an award to an individual and a group who have gone above and beyond the call to educate the public on elder abuse and to support SEAPA s ongoing mission.

15 Accomplishments Perhaps our greatest accomplishment has been the commissioning of a Memorial to Victims of Elder Abuse. On May 13, 2014 the group dedicated this monument to commemorate our 10 th anniversary. The bronze and granite structure is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The relief sculpture depicts a heart at the center- representing the heart of the community - with a child representing the child-like nature of our elders, a female and male silhouette, and hands reaching out to assist the individual in need.

16 The work goes on. As long as one person is in need, we will continue to advocate for those who have been violated as our monument states: For No Other Reason Than We Will All Be Old

17 Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance, Inc. We are all partners against the crimes of elder abuse, mistreatment and neglect. LIKE us on Facebook: Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance SEAPA, Inc.