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Protecting Rights and Preventing Abuse

All people have the right to live their lives with dignity and respect, free from abuse of any kind. Unfortunately, far too many older adults and people with disabilities are abused, neglected or exploited. ACL is committed to developing systems and programs that prevent abuse from happening, protecting people from abusive situations, and supporting people who have experienced abuse to help them recover.

  • Elder Abuse Prevention - The best way to intervene in the problem of elder abuse is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To this end, ACL has committed resources to several important projects designed to meet the goals of coordinating federal elder justice efforts, exploring new prevention and intervention models, and providing up-to-date research and information to professionals and the public.
  • Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) - The national network of 57 P&As inform people with disabilities of their rights, investigate suspected abuse and neglect, and provide free legal representation for clients.
  • Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) - The EJCC is established by the Elder Justice Act to coordinate activities across the federal government related to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 
  • Help America Vote Act Programs - These programs are designed to establish and improve participation in the election process for individuals with the full range of disabilities.
  • Legal Assistance - ACL-funded programs in every state provide civil legal counsel and representation to older people with economic or social need in order to preserve their independence, choice, and financial security. These programs are designed to help older people understand their rights, exercise informed decision-making, and benefit from the support and opportunities promised by law.
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman - The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program assists residents and their families in all states by providing a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.
  • Senior Medicare Patrol - These projects recruit and train retired professionals and other older adults to recognize and report instances or patterns of health care fraud. 
  • Supporting Adult Protective Services (APS) - APS is a social services program provided by state and local governments nationwide serving older adults and adults with disabilities facing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. ACL is working to support these systems.
  • Retirement and Pension Support Programs - ACL supports the National Education and Resource Center on Women and Retirement Planning and projects for providing pension counseling and information to older adults.

Last modified on 09/06/2017


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