The Center for the Study of Aging and the Justice Alliance for Vulnerable Adults (JAVA) are sponsoring the 2013 Summit on Elder Abuse and Exploitation from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at the Nampa Civic Center, 311 Third St. South.
Social workers, law enforcement, home health workers, service coordinators, case managers, elder law attorneys, bankers and health care providers all will benefit from the information presented.
The goal of the summit is not simply to deliver information, but to generate sustainable action by strengthening and expanding the network of professionals and community-based resources in Idaho surrounding the issue of the abuse of elders and people with disabilities.
“This is a top notch event with all of the key stakeholders involved,” said Lee Hannah, interim director of the Center for the Study of Aging. “Moving the plight of our vulnerable adults into the spotlight is necessary to help family members, caregivers and advocates understand how to prevent abuse. In situations where abuse is occurring, the summit will identify agencies and resources to contact for assistance.”
Keynote speakers are Rebecca Lovelace and Criselda de la Cruz of the Nampa Family Justice Center, and Angie Curtis of FACES, who will describe the Coordinated Community Response teams established through the Abuse in Later Life projects in Canyon and Ada counties; and Seargeant Patrick Calley of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, who will share his thoughts on how to improve community commitment and selfless services.
Breakout sessions include:
- Elder Abuse in All Cultures – Shelli Sonneberg, Boise Police Department
- Substitute Decision Making – Donna Schuyler, Elder Law Attorney
- Community Paramedic Program – Mark Babson, Paramedic
- Identity Theft – Sunrise Ayers, Idaho Legal Aid
- Adult Protection Process – Christa Ledbetter, Idaho Council of Governments
- Mandatory Reporting – Sarah Scott, Idaho Council of Governments
Dr. Lee Hannah, Interim Director of the Center for the Study of Aging said, “This is a top notch event with all of the key stakeholders involved. Moving the plight of our vulnerable adults into the spotlight in necessary to help family members, caregivers, and advocates understand how to prevent abuse. In situations where abuse is occurring, the Summit will identify agencies and resources to contact for assistance.”
“The mission of JAVA is to ensure that every vulnerable adult is visible and valued,” said summit organizer Mary Holden, with the Center for the Study of Aging. “This is accomplished by our members who work tirelessly to strengthen community partnerships and resource networks and ensure the dignity, safety and quality of life of vulnerable adults, as well as through advocacy, education, intervention, prevention and policy development.”