In Support of Pro Bono Legal Service Programs to Assist the Elderly
Resolution 7 In Support of Pro Bono Legal Service Programs to Assist the Elderly
WHEREAS, the United States Census data indicate the number of elders in the United States population is projected to reach an unprecedented proportion of the general population (to approximately 20% by 2050); and
WHEREAS, numerous surveys substantiate the increase in elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation cases over the last decade with the expectation of further increases; and
WHEREAS, economic conditions have had a particularly detrimental impact on the growing elderly population and have resulted in an increasing number of such older Americans subsisting on a fixed income at or below the federal poverty guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the American Bar Association, in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons, as well as state and local bar associations, has instituted special projects and programs to enlist the services of emeritus attorneys as volunteers to respond to the unmet civil legal needs of the elder population; and
WHEREAS, such pro bono emeritus rules and programs have enabled retired or inactive attorneys to provide special services for the elderly, such as drafting powers of attorney, advance directives, wills, providing legal guidance and assistance, facilitating the appointment of guardians as necessary and appropriate, and participating in educational programs for the elderly;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators do hereby encourage state supreme courts and their respective bar associations, both state and local, to help address the growing unmet civil legal needs of vulnerable elders who are unable to afford legal services.
Adopted as proposed by the CCJ/COSCA Elders and the Courts Committee at the COSCA 2015 Midyear Meeting on December 5, 2015, and at the CCJ 2016 Midyear Meeting on February 3, 2016.