The Forum: Senate and Assembly Approve Elder Abuse Bill

After gaining approval in both the Senate and Assembly, a bill which authorizes state agencies to conduct a public campaign to draw attention to elder abuse has just hit the desk of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Under the bill, the State Office for the Aging and the Office of Children and Family Services would collaborate on a public education campaign focusing on zero tolerance for elder abuse, according to state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), a member of the Committee on Aging. Educational materials would be created to help identify the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, inform people of where and how to report the crime, and provide details about existing programs designed to provide assistance for victims. Public outreach would include printed materials, as well as audio, video, and electronic media and public service announcements.

Read the full story here.