Elder Abuse Task Force ~ Press Conference

Thursday, June 12, 2008

I am Phyllis Mundy, and I am the state representative for the 120^th Legislative District here in Luzerne County.  I’m delighted to be here today and to join community leaders in announcing the formation of an Elder Abuse Task Force for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. 

The focus of the task force is to increase public awareness and to prevent exploitation and abuse of our vulnerable older citizens as well as to enhance reporting and prosecution of abusers when exploitation or abuse does occur.   

I became majority Chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee for the first time last year. During one of the Committee’s early public hearings, we learned about Elder Abuse Task Forces that were operating successfully in some counties in Pennsylvania. Representative Boback, who is a member of the committee, and I immediately approached local officials about developing one for our two counties. To stand here not even a year later and announce that the task force is a reality is very gratifying.  I applaud those community leaders – some of whom you will hear from shortly – for their hard work and dedication in helping to organize and begin the work of the task force. 

I am also pleased to announce that I have been able to secure a small amount of state funding to assist the efforts of the Task Force. We are ready to hit the ground running!    

As you may know, the Protective Service Unit in our local area agency on aging works hard to safeguard senior citizens from those who would exploit them, physically or financially.  The task force will assist the AAA in their efforts to combat abuse and exploitation of our seniors.  The purpose of the task force is three-fold:

1) To facilitate and develop expertise in prosecuting elder abuse;

2) To train professionals such as bank staff and medical personnel who are in contact with senior citizens to identify and report physical, mental, or financial abuse; and

3) To educate senior citizens and the public about elder abuse and how to prevent and report it.

By having a task force made up of those currently involved in the elder care and justice systems, citizens who are concerned about a loved can be connected to people who are in the best position to protect them.  The task force will facilitate and speed up investigations into elder abuse so that abusers can more easily be prosecuted. 

As chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, I have been committed to protecting the welfare of our seniors.  A great deal of the committee’s work has focused on enhancing protections and safeguards for older adults.  I believe this Elder Abuse Task Force will be a great additional tool for ensuring that our vulnerable seniors are protected.

Again, I applaud everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.  The quality of life for many seniors will be enhanced because of it.  Thank you.