NCEA Newsfeed – Monday, January 28, 2013
The newsfeed includes articles and stories related to abuse of elders and adults with disabilities. Articles related to elders appear in the top half of the newsfeed. Articles related to abuse of adults with disabilities appear towards the bottom. To subscribe to the NCEA listserv, please send an email with your name, occupation, your organization/agency name, city and state, and a statement about your professional interest or expertise in elder abuse to NCEA@UCI.edu. Like us on Facebook!
Learn what the Administration on Aging is planning for the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention!
http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/Elder_Rights/YEAP/index.aspx
Calendar of upcoming elder abuse and neglect events can be found at the bottom of the newsfeed.
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ELDER ABUSE NEWSFEED
1. National, ABC News, January 27, 2013
Aging America: Elder Abuse, Use of Shelters Rising
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/aging-america-elder-abuse-shelters-rising-18328527
The Obama administration has said it has increased its focus on protecting American seniors by establishing a national resource center and a consumer protection office, among other steps. But needs are growing at a time when government spending on social services is being cut on many levels or not keeping up with demand. This article highlights promising practices in New York, Ohio, and California.
2. COLORADO (Denver), Denver Post, January 27, 2013
Colorado should make reporting of elder abuse mandatory, Suthers says
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_22445261/protect-colorados-elderly-from-abuse
Colorado is one of only three states that does not have a law specifically protecting our elder population from physical, sexual, caretaker and financial harm by requiring those in a position of awareness to report suspected abuse. Last year, Colorado’s legislature created a task force to study the issue. It recommended a system of mandatory reporting for the mistreatment and exploitation of at-risk persons over 70 years of age.
3. FLORIDA (St. Johns County), St. Augustine Record, January 26, 2013
Aniello found not guilty of elderly abuse
http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2013-01-25/aniello-found-not-guilty-elderly-abuse-0#.UQcgaB2xzTo
A certified nursing assistant who was accused of abuse of the elderly was found not guilty by a jury of six men following just five minutes of deliberation. His former supervisor there reported that he had attempted to smother an elderly female resident with a pillow. Aniello was charged with one count of abuse of an elderly person, which is a third-degree felony.
4. GEORGIA (Dekalb County), Crossroads News, January 25, 2013
Woman convicted of elder abuse
http://www.crossroadsnews.com/view/full_story/21522336/article-Woman-convicted-of-elder-abuse?instance=lead_story_left_column
Former Cedar Grove Middle School secretary Bobbie Neil Ward is facing decades in prison after a DeKalb jury found her guilty of 21 of 25 counts of wide-ranging crimes against disabled and elderly victims on Jan. 16. Prosecutors told the jury that Ward took money from a disabled victim’s bank account and used the Social Security numbers of several other disabled people to set up utilities at 12 homes in DeKalb. She also used a deceased person’s information to set up utility services at two of the addresses, prosecutors said.
5. OHIO (Cincinnati), Fox 19, January 27, 2013
Ohio facility 1 of few offering elder shelter; abuse of seniors growing US problem
http://www.fox19.com/story/20716876/ohio-facility-1-of-few-offering-elder-shelter-abuse-of-seniors-growing-us-problem
A retirement community in southwest Ohio is 1 of a handful nationally that offers shelter for victims of elder abuse. Cedar Village's Shalom Center in the northern Cincinnati suburb of Mason is marking its anniversary this month. Although more than 40 seniors were referred to the center, only three stayed there. Experts say that's an indication of how reluctant elder abuse victims are to seek help. They fear being cut off from family, feel ashamed, or are confused about what has happened.
6. WASHINGTON, D.C., WTOP, January 27, 2013
D.C. courts see more elder abuse cases
http://www.wtop.com/41/3207277/DC-courts-see-more-elder-abuse-cases
As many as two million elderly Americans have been victims of abuse — among the most under reported crimes in the country. Judge John Campbell presides over the D.C. Superior Court's probate division, which oversee cases for incapacitated adults or adults in need of guardianship. He is seeing more elder abuse cases come through his courtroom as the population ages.
ABUSE OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
1. GEORGIA (Athens), Online Athens, January 28, 2013
Man wanted for breaking into disabled Athens vet’s home surrenders
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2013-01-28/man-wanted-breaking-disabled-athens-vets-home-surrenders
A 19-year-old Athens man surrendered to authorities early Monday in connection with the daytime burglary of a disabled U.S. Army veteran’s home last week in western Athens-Clarke County. The teen fled without taking anything when the veteran pointed his gun at him, but the suspect caused $750 in damages to the victim’s door.
2. MINNESOTA (Anoka), CBS Local, January 28, 2013
Coon Rapids Man Sentenced For Stealing From Vulnerable Adult
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/01/28/coon-rapids-man-sentenced-for-stealing-from-vulnerable-adult/
A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, $1,085 fees and $12,000 in restitution for stealing over $65,000 from an 82-year-old vulnerable adult, the Anoka County Attorney’s Office announced Monday. He admitted to swindling the vulnerable adult, who is now deceased, of jewelry and a vehicle.
3. PENNSYLVANIA (Philadelphia), Fox News, January 28, 2013
Philadelphia drops charges in disabled adult abuse case as feds pursue murder, hate crimes
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/28/philadelphia-drops-charges-in-disabled-adult-abuse-case-as-feds-pursue-murder/
As expected, Philadelphia prosecutors will step aside so federal authorities can pursue charges accusing a paroled killer and others of kidnapping mentally disabled adults for their disability checks. Federal prosecutors will now pursue charges that include hate crimes and two murder counts.
4. SOUTH CAROLINA (Union), WYFF4, January 24, 2013
Police: Couple stole $40,000 from vulnerable adult
http://www.wyff4.com/news/local-news/laurens-union-news/Police-Couple-stole-40-000-from-vulnerable-adult/-/9654846/18262006/-/11flttq/-/index.html
An Upstate couple is accused of stealing more than $40,000 from a vulnerable adult, according to Union Public Safety. The couple was arrested for breach of trust, financial transaction card fraud, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult.5. SOUTH CAROLINA (Union), Fox Carolina, January 24, 2013
Police: 2 took $40k from vulnerable adult
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/20669032/2-charged-with-exploiting-vulnerable-adult-of-40k
Police said they arrested two people who spent more than $40,000 of someone's money who they were responsible for taking care of.
6. INTERNATIONAL (East Sussex, United Kingdom), Daily Mail, January 28, 2013
Eastbourne care home under investigation after former manager admits allowing disabled residents to use prostitutes and strippers ‘so they could fulfill their primeval needs’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269541/Eastbourne-care-home-investigation-disabled-residents-using-prostitutes-strippers.html
A care home has admitted to calling prostitutes for disabled residents who are otherwise unable to have sex. The home is now under investigation by the local council over concerns the bizarre set-up could place vulnerable residents at risk of being exploited. Staff defended the policy as the best way to satisfy the 'primeval needs' of disabled people, and claimed that it prevented sexually frustrated residents from groping staff.
7. INTERNATIONAL (North Yorkshire, United Kingdom), Minster FM, January 23, 2013
New Campaign Launched to Protect Vulnerable Adults in North Yorkshire
http://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/875505/new-campaign-launched-to-protect-vulnerable-adults-in-north-yorkshire/
A new campaign aimed at ensuring vulnerable people in North Yorkshire get the help and support they need and deserve has been launched by the County Council, in partnership with a wide range of organizations and agencies. The aim of the campaign – which involves widespread use of posters and publicitiy material - is to make people aware of the importance of promoting dignity and respect, in line with the Government’s White Paper “Caring for our future: reforming care and support.”
RELATED ISSUES
1. ARIZONA (Glendale), ABC 15, January 24, 2013
Phoenix police find missing 68-year-old Glendale man with dementia
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_west_valley/glendale/glendale-police-looking-for-missing-68-year-old-with-dementia
The Phoenix Police Department have found a missing Glendale man with dementia. Glendale police say 68-year-old Wilfrido Moncayo-Cisneros was found Thursday afternoon by the Phoenix police in Phoenix. Cisneros was slightly dehydrated, but was in good condition and is safe at home with family.
2. CALIFORNIA (Sacramento County), Fair Oaks-Carmichael Patch, January 26, 2013
UPDATE: Missing Carmichael Woman Found Safe, Returned to Family
http://fairoaks-carmichael.patch.com/articles/missing-carmichael-woman-suffers-from-dementia-considered-at-risk
A 55-year-old woman with dementia was reported missing by her family on Friday. Officials announced her safe return home on Saturday.
3. INDIANA (Wabash), Police One, January 28, 2013
Ind. Police to receive dementia training
http://www.policeone.com/training/articles/6102342-Ind-police-to-receive-dementia-training/
Wabash Police Chief Charles Smith and Wabash County Sheriff Bob Land are both in favor of new legislation that will require police to be trained to deal with those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. This new bill was filed following an incident in June 2012 when 64-year-old James Howard, an advanced Alzheimer’s patient living in Miller’s Merry Manor in Peru, was tased by a police officer five times for refusing to enter an ambulance and comply with the officer’s commands.
4. LOUISIANA (Gretna), NOLA, January 25, 2013
Missing man, 75, last seen Monday in Gretna may have dementia
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/01/missing_man_last_seen_monday_i.html
JPSO is asking for the public's help in locating a man last seen Monday about 4 p.m., walking into the food court at Oakwood Shopping Center in Gretna. The missing man, 75-year-old Gerald Autin, could be in the early stages of dementia and may not be aware of his surroundings, police said.
5. OREGON (Portland), KPTV, January 24, 2013
Missing man with dementia found dead near care home
http://www.kptv.com/story/20676830/missing-man-with-dementia-found-dead-near-care-home
A missing man was found dead Thursday near his southwest Portland care home. Deputies put out an alert for Brant Koller, 69, Tuesday night. He was last seen around 5 p.m. Tuesday at 2785 S.W. Roxbury Ave. Staff at his adult care home reported he walked away and they were unable to find him. Investigators said Thursday afternoon his body was found in a backyard near his care home.
6. TEXAS (Houston), ABC Local, January 26, 2013
Fort Bend deputies locate missing veteran with dementia
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8968797
The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office has located a 68-year-old veteran with dementia who disappeared from a group home Wednesday evening and returned him to his family.
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Funding Opportunities:
- February 15, 2013/May 1, 2013
- The American Bar Association has announced a further round of grants to be made in 2013 that will promote and support innovation in the delivery of civil legal aid. These grants will go to the state Access to Justice Commissions. The grants will fund projects in seven critical areas of innovation: expanding limited scope representation and other models for affordable services; improving language access and eliminating implicit cultural bias; employing public libraries as point of access for legal aid; enhancing fundraising outside the legal community; creating partnerships with health care and social services providers, government agencies and other new partners; preserving access for low-income people as courts implement e-filing; and increasing web-based delivery of pro bono services for self-represented litigants. Eligible entities are state Access to Justice Commissions, which are formal entities that bring together the highest level of the state's courts, organized bar, and other stakeholders to support the expansion of access to civil justice for low income and disadvantaged people. Applications for Grants to Promote the Creation of new Access to Justice Commissions are due by February 15, 2013; applications for Innovation Grants are due on May 1, 2013.
- Information: www.ATJsupport.org under “grants.” For additional information contact Bob Echols, State Support Consultant, ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives, Robert.Echols@comcast.net
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Upcoming Elder Abuse Conferences/Training Events (in chronological order):
· The Nursing Network on Violence Against Women, International (NNVAWI) Conference call for abstracts is open! The submission deadline is January 31, 2013. For more information: http://www.nnvawi.org/showNewsItem.cfm?newsID=123
· The Alzheimer’s Association is accepting proposals for their international conferences until February 4, 2013. Submit proposals here: http://www.alz.org/aaic/care/dementia-care-posters.asp. The conference, titled “Dementia Care @AAIC: Translating Research to Practice” will be in Boston, Massachusetts from July 13-18, 2013. Learn more here: http://www.alz.org/aaic/
· The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) released their famous 2012 Tool Kit on dementia education on November 1, 2012. http://www.nccdp.org/staff-education-week.htm For the fifth year, they will host Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14-21, 2013
· The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting an Elder Maltreatment Symposium on March 8, 2013 online and at their headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. Register and find more information here: http://www.usqualitymeasures.org/Home.aspx
· Registration is now open for the 2013 Aging in America Conference, presented by the American Society on Aging. The conference will take place from March 12-16, 2013 in Chicago, IL. For more information: http://www.asaging.org/aia
· The 13th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference will be held in Ft. Worth, Texas from April 16-18, 2013 at the Worthington Renaissance Forth Worth Hotel. For more information: http://www.familyjusticecenter.org/training-main/annual-conference.html
· Elder Abuse and its Prevention – A Workshop will be hosted by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies April 17-18, 2013 at the Keck Center on Washington, D.C. For more information: http://www.iom.edu/Activities/Global/ViolenceForum/2013-APR-17.aspx
· The Academy on Violence and Abuse (AVA) 2013 Scientific Conference will be called “Addressing Violence and Abuse in the Changing Healthcare Environment,” and will take place on April 18-20 in Minneapolis, MN at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Suites. For more information: http://avahealth.nonprofitoffice.com/vertical/sites/%7B75FA0828-D713-4580-A29D-257F315BB94F%7D/uploads/avabrochure_P20.pdf
· The 6th Annual Forensic Investigations Conference to be held from May 15-17, 2013 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Seminars will focus on a broad array of emerging forensic practices, in sexual assault, interpersonal violence, child and elder abuse in both an urban and rural environment. For more information https://www.saintlukeshealthsystem.org/event/forensic-conference-1
· Changing Aging, The Florida Conference on Aging will be held on August 12-14, 2013 and will be themed, “Aging: New Game – New Rules”
For more information: http://www.fcoa.org/conference.html
An archived collection of previous newsfeeds is available here:
http://nceagov.posterous.com/
National Center on Elder Abuse
Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect
University of California, Irvine
Program in Geriatrics
101 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
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