The first Elder Justice Coordinating Council meeting authorized by the Elder Justice Act was held on October 11, 2012. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the states and tribes that were awarded funding to test ways to prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The New York State Office for Aging applied for funding through this initiative with NYCEAC being a key partner on the proposed projetct. Dr. Mark Lachs, NYC Elder Abuse Center’s Director, testified at the meeting.

The Elder Justice Act

The Elder Justice Act (EJA) was signed into law in March 2010 and most of the Act has not been implemented due to lack of appropriations. However, the EJA required the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, an Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, and Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Forensic Centers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is crucial to the EJA’s implementation and enforcement, tasked with surveying state laws and practices, developing objectives and long-term plans for elder justice programs, and awarding grants to provide state programs with adequate training and support for healthcare providers and public safety officials. The DOJ also provides a report of study findings to the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, the Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and the Speaker and Minority leader of the House of Representatives.

For more information, click here and visit the Elder Justice Coalition.

The Elder Justice Coordinating Council

The purpose of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council is to advise the Secretary of HHS on the cross-agency coordination of activities related to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. At the historic White House World Elder Abuse Awareness Day commemoration, which was held on June 14th, 2012, Secretary Sebelius announced that she would convene the first ever meeting of the Coordinating Council.

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New York State Office for the Aging

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) offers a wide variety of programs and services for older New Yorkers. Partnering with 59 county offices for the aging, a multitude of service providers, and community groups, the NYSOFA works collaboratively to help guide elders, their families, and caregivers to new opportunities that will improve their lives and address their needs. The NYSOFA provides programs and services to help older adults remain independent, learn about financial fraud, and navigate long-term care systems.

For more information, click here.