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Elder Abuse in West Virginia - A Policy Analysis of System Response, 1983

NCJ Number
91604
Author(s)
L G Schultz
Date Published
1983
Length
200 pages
Annotation
West Virginia needs to clarify its welfare statistics to indicate the exact number of cases of abuse of the elderly and should adopt preplanned protocols for responding to alleged cases of elder abuse.
Abstract
If the State welfare department is legally designated as the agency responsible for investigations of abuse of the elderly and if reporting of elder abuse is made mandatory for certain professionals, the current hot line now used for reporting of abuse of children and adolescents should be expanded to cover reporting of elder abuse. Following these measures, the State should fund a strong effort to publicize services and reporting procedures. Program planners should also try to design programs and policies which may also draw on available Federal funds as well as funds of private organizations. The State should also clearly define the important issues of social worker liability in cases where access to the victim is denied through any means. Involuntary commitment of the elderly should be avoided unless victims are mentally ill and overtly dangerous to themselves or others. Following involuntary commitment, adult protective service workers should continue involvement in the case. The possibility of using court injunctions instead of involuntary commitment should be explored. Due process protections for victims must be emphasized. Methods of recruiting appropriate persons to serve as guardians or committees should also be explored. Additional recommendations, State and national information on elder abuse and responses to it, a bibliography listing about 130 references, and appendixes presenting the study instrument and additional data are included.