In Support of the NCSC Concept Paper, State Courts and Elder Abuse: Ensuring Justice for Older Americans
Resolution 4 In Support of the National Center for State Courts' "Elder Abuse and the Courts Working Group"
U.S. Census data indicates that the number of elders in the United States population has increased and is projected to reach an unprecedented proportion of the general population in the coming years. Numerous surveys substantiate the increase in elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases over the last decade, with expectations of further rising levels.
Cases involving elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation arise in a variety of jurisdictional contexts across the nation's courts. Courts are uniquely positioned to identify and intervene in cases where elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation may be suspected. The courts recognize the importance of protecting the elderly from various forms of abuse through the efficient and effective handling of these cases.
The National Center for State Courts created the Elder Abuse and the Courts Working Group, a national multidisciplinary group of experts and practitioners in courts, elder issues, and elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, to provide proactive leadership to the courts. The primary goals of the Working Group are to assist courts in identifying cases of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to develop toolkits and resources that will improve court responses.
The Elder Abuse and the Courts Working Group has established a long-term strategic plan to facilitate increased judicial awareness and improved court responses to issues involving the elderly, including:
- Creating consensus on terminology
- Compiling and distributing resources
- Developing tools to help courts identify cases
- Creating response toolkits
- Writing a White Paper to inform public policy
- Developing an education and training toolkit
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of State Court Administrators:
- Acknowledges the benefit of proactive, national collaborative efforts such as the one initiated by the National Center for State Courts through the creation of the Elder Abuse and the Courts Working Group.
- Commends the Elder Abuse and the Courts Working Group to national judicial associations and encourages funding entities to support the Working Group's ongoing efforts.
Adopted as proposed by the Courts, Children, and Families Committee at the COSCA 2005 Midyear Meeting, San Diego, California, December 9, 2005.