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Read District Attorney Jan
Scully's press release on the establishment of Elder Death Review
Teams
CLICK
HERE
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The Elder Abuse
Vertical Prosecution Program is an Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP)
grant-funded program that began in August 2000. The program consists of
two full-time prosecutors and one half time investigator who handle all felony
cases of elder and dependent adult abuse falling within Penal Code section
368, which includes physical, mental and financial abuse, as well as neglect
cases. The Elder Abuse prosecutors file all cases where an elder or dependent
adult is the victim of a crime. The misdemeanor section prosecutes cases
filed as misdemeanors, with the assistance of the Elder Abuse prosecutors.
The program is assigned as part of the Special
Assault and Child Abuse unit. In addition, the program works closely
with victim advocates who are specially trained to work with the victims
of these crimes.
The District Attorney's Office has taken
the lead in many areas related to elder abuse.
- We have recently started a Sac FAST team that
brings together many different agencies and private citizens to help
elderly victims of financial abuse where the cases are complex. We
started the first Elder Death Interdisciplinary
Review Team in the nation. The team reviews closed cases of elder
death that are suspicious or warrant further scrutiny, and we sponsored
legislation to make EDRT's reports confidential.
- Our MDIC staff is also specially trained
to assist law enforcement with interviewing elder and dependent adults
who have been the victims of crimes.
- We participate in monthly MDT meetings
that bring together law enforcement and social service groups who
deal with the elderly, in order to discuss problems and issues related
to the elderly.
- Sacramento County has established an
Elder Shelter, which, once open, will provide elderly victims of crime
short-term safe housing while other housing or services are arranged.
This will be one of the first such shelters for elderly in the country.
- Finally, our Victim Advocates provide
outreach, support and education to elders and dependent adults who
have been victims of crime, including assistance with obtaining emergency
protective orders.
Both victim advocates and the Elder Abuse
prosecutors
are available to make presentations about elder abuse. If you are interested
in learning more about Elder Abuse, please contact Deputy District Attorney
Rochelle Hao at (916) 874-4268 or Lauren Miller at (916) 874-6699, or by e-mail at ElderAbuse.DA@saccounty.net.
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