Elder Abuse and Elder Justice Forum

Disclaimer

Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.

Summary

Create a permanent, state government sponsored forum focused on elder abuse and elder justice. This forum would allow a diverse partnership of representatives to share ideas from both academia and the field, provide feedback, and encourage evidence-based and culturally responsive strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of financial exploitation and elder abuse, as well as regularly provide review and feedback on potential updates to operations, programs, and regulations related to elder abuse and justice.

Justification

Older adults may fall victim to elder abuse, exploitation and scams resulting in poorer health outcomes, financial loss, and other negative implications on their overall well-being. Cross-sector collaboration will develop evidence-based and informed strategies that work to prevent and address cases of older adult abuse and exploitation.

Full Proposal

NYSOFA will create a permanent, state government sponsored forum (The Forum) that focuses on elder abuse and elder justice. The Forum will be a place where state agency  representatives, local governments (including AAAs and APS), aging and human service providers, underserved populations, faith-based organizations, law enforcement and legal service providers, policy makers, and members of the public can and are encouraged to network, share ideas from both academia and the field, provide feedback, and encourage evidence-based and culturally responsive strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of financial exploitation and elder abuse.

• NYSOFA will develop, implement and publicize the Forum,
• NYS will provide NYSOFA will the necessary funding to support the Forum, including funding for the necessary staff.
• NYSOFA will regularly review feedback in the forum and make updates to improve the operations of the Forum, as needed and feasible.
• The Forum will establish several different methods of communication and networking, including emails, blogs, and in-person and virtual meetings/conferences.

MPA Council Commentary

This proposal is categorized as near-term. This proposal is closely related to proposal 110. Proposed first steps for implementation could include the establishment of a new Forum derived from existing programs and conferences through NYSOFA. Otherwise funding this Forum would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources. Additional steps for implementation could include the convening of relevant stakeholders and state agency partners to develop an interactive environment encouraging evidence-based and culturally responsive strategies for prevention, intervention, and the creation of a community engaged in elder justice. Proposed metrics for evaluating implementation success could include improved and continued recognition of elder abuse and elder justice topics.