San Francisco Elder Abuse Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The purpose of this project is to decrease elder abuse in San Francisco, with an emphasis on reducing the exploding financial fraud being perpetrated on elderly residents. The primary target population is aging and dependent adults who have suffered abuse in any and all of its forms, including physical, psychological and financial abuse. The secondary target population is community members and service providers who need education and awareness about elder abuse prevention and resources. The proposed project will enable San Francisco to achieve the stated purpose in two ways. First, they will sustain and strengthen the San Francisco Elder Abuse Forensic Center, a model coordinated effort between legal, medical, and social services providers to identify, intervene in and prosecute elder abuse. The Forensic Center will conduct weekly multidisciplinary case review and coordination and medical and psychological assessments. Second, they will engage in a Public Awareness Campaign to educate and empower seniors to prevent elder abuse and access services, and to provide critical information to the community and city agencies that serve them.

NCA/NCF