Elder Abuse Prevention Unit

CELJ’s Elder Abuse Prevention Unit is committed to helping older adults who are in abusive situations.  These situations can involve physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse and neglect.  A variety of civil legal services are offered, including obtaining orders of protection, using the civil legal system to stop existing exploitation and recover stolen assets, revocation and drafting of powers of attorney, safety planning and connection with services. This unit assists older adults who reside in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.  There are no income restrictions.  In addition, this unit is a frequent presenter on elder abuse issues.  To find out if you qualify for our services, or to learn about preventing elder abuse, you can call our intake line at 716-853-3087 (or toll free at 844-296-6404). Download our brochure here.
CELJ is also proud to partner in the Council on Elder Abuse Shelter Network. The Shelter is a collaboration between local nursing facilities and service providers to provide temporary safe shelter to older victims of domestic violence.  For more information on the shelter, visit http://www.councilonelderabuse.org/committees.php?PageTitle=Committees&PCID=5#.V_aYj-ArJdg or call 716-941-4994.

 

CELJ also coordinates and/or participates in Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams(E-MDTs) in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. E-MDTs are partnerships among public, profit and non-profit organizations, with the goal of working collaboratively to improve the process of protecting victims of financial exploitation and abuse, as well as improve the outcomes of complex elder abuse cases. To learn more, visit our E-MDT page.

 

Elder abuse is widespread but severely under-reported.  An estimated 260,000 older adults in NYS state are victims of at least one form of elder abuse. For every 1 case of elder abuse that is reported, 24 cases go unreported.  Although nursing home abuse exists, the majority of elder abuse tends to take place where the senior lives. Often, the abuser is a caretaker, family member or friend. Our attorneys and social workers are available to talk to you if you think you may be a victim of abuse, or have concerns that someone you know is.  Please note, however, that the Elder Abuse prevention unit does not take cases of nursing home abuse or neglect.

Keeping Seniors Safe

Help is Available!

Information for Advocates

If You Suspect Abuse, Take Action!

FAQs

If you suspect abuse, you should take action! There are many resources assistance, including our office, Crisis Services (716-834-3131), Erie County Protective Services for Adults (716-858-6877) and your local county’s Office for the Aging [should we insert the NY Connects 1-800 number here?  It is statewide and directs to the local OFA.  That number is 1 (800) 342-9871]. If you are an advocate and want to learn more about getting involved with stopping elder abuse, consider joining the Council on Elder Abuse. This group meets once a month- for more information, visit http://www.councilonelderabuse.org/.

I think my sibling is taking money from one of my parents- can you help me?

It depends. CELJ is a law office, and our client is senior in the abusive situation. If your parent would like for us to assist them, we may be able to help. However, we will need to speak with your parent to determine whether they want our help or want us to investigate further.

Do you take criminal action against an abuser?

Our office does not criminally prosecute cases. However, we do work with the local District Attorney’s office on cases where we believe that criminal prosecution may be an option, if our client would like to pursue that avenue. We handle the civil aspects of elder abuse cases, including recoupment of stolen funds, revocations of powers of attorney and requesting accountings. For more information, contact our office at 716-853-3087 or toll free at 844-296-6404

Do you provide presentations for people in the community?

Yes, we offer a variety of trainings for groups including advocates, professionals, law enforcement, seniors, and financial professionals.  For more information or to schedule training, please contact our office at 716-853-3087 or toll free at 844-296-6404

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