Elder Justice Coalition Commends House Introduction of Elder Justice Act 6/18/2003
From: Amy Hooper, 202-682-4140, for the Elder Justice Coalition WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Elder Justice Coalition, a bipartisan organization of more than 160 agencies and individuals focused on elder abuse prevention, welcomed the introduction of H.R. 2490, the Elder Justice Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and especially commended the leadership of the bill's author, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-5th Ill.) and co-authors, Rep. Peter King (R-3rd N.Y.), and House Majority Whip, Roy Blunt (R-7th Mo.). "The Elder Justice Act is groundbreaking legislation that will result in a new more visible and supportive federal government role in the national fight against elder abuse, neglect and exploitation," said Bob Blancato, national coordinator for the Coalition. "In addition to the creation of new Offices of Elder Justice in both the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services, the bill would enhance and expand model state and local elder abuse prevention programs through new federal support." The Elder Justice Act would: -- Bring national attention and resources for elder justice issues -- Improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of information on abuse, neglect and exploitation -- Increase research and resources on elder abuse issues -- Develop forensic capacity for police and investigators -- Provide victim assistance, "safe havens," and support for at-risk elders -- Increase prosecution -- Fund states' adult protective services systems -- Expand and enhance training -- Fund special programs to support underserved populations including rural, minority and Indian seniors -- Create model State Laws and Practices The Act also provides for an Elder Justice Resource Center and Library to provide a one-stop repository of information on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. "Senators Breaux and Hatch and Representatives Emanuel and King should be commended for their innovation and commitment in taking on one of the most critical issues for older Americans in such a comprehensive approach," said Charlie Sabatino, chair of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys' public policy committee. "The Elder Justice Act represents hope for states' beleaguered adult protective services workers and the thousands of elder abuse victims to whom they respond annually," said Ricker Hamilton, president of the National Association of Adult Protective Services Administrators. Dan Quirk, executive director of the National Association of State Units on Aging added: "We strongly believe that the federal government has the crucial responsibility to provide leadership and dedicated resources to work in partnerships with states and communities to ensure the safety of the nation's most vulnerable. This Act builds on and strengthens this partnership." H.R. 2490 was co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 46 House Members. The Senate bill has 25 co-sponsors "The Emanuel-King bill now joins with the Breaux-Hatch bill in the Senate to offer dramatic proof of the unprecedented level of Congressional attention which elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is and will receive," Blancato noted. Carol Scott, president of the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman praised the bill saying, "Every older person should have the right to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation and this legislation can help secure that right for millions of Americans". The Coalition is a bipartisan organization of national, state and local organizations as well as individual members. The coalition represents the many disciplines involved in the fight against elder abuse, including adult protective services, ombudsmen, health care professionals, elder law and law enforcement, researchers, national, state and local advocacy groups and key players in the aging network. Those interested in joining the coalition should contact Amy Hooper in the office of the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) at 202-682-4140 or by email at elderjustice@erols.com. |