Elder Abuse Presentation at the Legal Justice Center

Legal Assistance for Seniors teamed up with the Alameda County Superior Court, Alameda County District Attorney’s office, and Alameda County Adult Protective Services to make a presentation on the subject of elder abuse to approximately fifty service providers and members of the community. The presentation was organized by the Legal Justice Center and took place on February 26 in the Parish Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Light, in downtown Oakland.

Attorney Jayne Fleming, Pro Bono Counsel for the Reed Smith law firm in Oakland and Director of the Legal Justice Center, welcomed everyone. Panel member Kirsten Voyles, LAS staff attorney, introduced the other speakers—The Honorable C. Don Clay, Judge of the Alameda County Superior Court; Eileen McAndrew, Senior Deputy District Attorney; and Jill Nielsen and Ron George of Adult Protective Services.

Ms. Nielsen gave an overview of APS and went over the different types of elder abuse and indicators that abuse may be taking place. Mr. George continued by explaining the process followed by APS personnel when they become aware of an abusive situation.  It was interesting to note that one-half of APS clients are in situations of self-neglect. When elders are victims of financial, physical or emotional abuse, all too often the abuser is a family member or caregiver.

Ms. McAndrew followed with a PowerPoint presentation and discussion of why seniors are targeted for abuse, scams and fraud and how they can protect themselves.

Ms. Voyles explained the elder abuse program at Legal Assistance for Seniors and gave an overview of the different types of restraining orders used in elder abuse cases.

Judge Clay is committed to continuing the Elder Access Court initiated five years ago by Judge Julie Conger who retired in 2008.  As he explained to the audience, this court is one of only a handful of courts nationwide that are set up specifically to accommodate victims of all types of elder abuse who may find it difficult or intimidating to appear on a regular court calendar. Hearings are set late in the morning for the benefit of elders who may have mobility problems or need help getting to court. Court personnel are present to provide elders with guidance and reassurance and to ensure that victims are not intimidated by abusers who may be in the courtroom. Judge Clay hears all criminal elder abuse cases in Alameda County as well as all applications for civil elder abuse restraining orders for the Northern Division of the county; other elder abuse courts are located in Hayward, Fremont and Pleasanton.