National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Hails Introduction of Elder Justice Act

9/13/2002

From: Bob Blancato, 202-682-4140, for NCPEA

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 -- The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) today hailed the introduction of the bi-partisan Elder Justice Act, calling it "historic as it redefines and refocuses the federal government's role in combating the national scandal of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation."

NCPEA offered its comments on the legislation introduced today jointly by Senators John Breaux (D-La.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). The following Senators also joined as original co-sponsors: Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Kit Bond (R-Mo.), Jean Carnahan (D-Mo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.).

NCPEA President Bob Blancato said, "There are dual and powerful goals behind the Elder Justice Act. One is to assure adequate public-private infrastructure and resources to detect, treat, understand, intervene in and where appropriate, prosecute elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The second is to strive to achieve the right of every older person to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation."

NCPEA Board Member Tom Laughlin of Louisiana added, "This legislation acknowledges the reality that elder abuse in all its forms is a public health, law enforcement and social service crisis in all our states. New and coordinated leadership is needed at the federal level. In addition, the federal government should empower and support successful efforts at the state and local level, which have helped reduce elder abuse."

NCPEA called on the Senate Finance Committee, which held a hearing on Elder Justice in June, to move forward on the Elder Justice Act during this session of Congress, noting that there has been a 60 percent increase in reported cases of elder abuse since 1996 but that only .08 percent of federal funds spent on abuse prevention are going to elder abuse.

The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is the largest membership organization focused on elder abuse prevention through research, advocacy, public awareness and training.