NCJ Number
145400
Journal
Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 87-99
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This testimony addresses the issues of mandatory reporting of elder abuse, public and professional awareness, interagency coordination and in-home services and respite care. Recommendations are made for increased Federal support of elder abuse and prevention programs.
Abstract
On May 15, 1991, congressional hearings were held on the topic "Elder Abuse: What Can Be Done?" A representative of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse first addressed the issue of mandatory reporting of suspected elder abuse. The testimony discusses the reasoning behind mandatory reporting laws and some of the common features of these laws. After discussing the experiences of several States with mandatory reporting and two with voluntary reporting, the Committee takes a position against making mandatory reporting a prerequisite for State participation in Federal elder abuse programs. Increasing public and professional awareness about elder abuse is cited as an effective means of identifying elder abuse and is a identified as a major objective of the Committee. The testimony discusses the benefits of interagency coordination in handling cases of elder abuse. The limitations of in-home services and respite care are explained. A broader range of services is recommended. The testimony also includes a list of recommendations for Federal legislation that would assist State and local agencies to deliver elder abuse services.