National resources on elder abuse

Aging, Spring, 1996

In 1993, in response to the legislative mandate of the Amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1992, AoA awarded the American Public Welfare Association (APWA) a 4-year grant to establish the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). APWA operates the Center in collaboration with the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), the University of Delaware (UD), and the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA).

The Center develops and provides information, data, and expertise to federal, state and local agencies; professionals; and the public on elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. NCEA assists interested organizations and individuals in their efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by conducting training workshops, producing newsletters, operating an information clearinghouse (see next page), engaging in research, and developing and disseminating technical reports of national significance.

Since its inception, the Center has responded to nearly 1,000 requests for information and technical assistance; conducted teleconferences; helped state APS/elder abuse program directors coordinate their activities with other Title VII programs; and participated in a wide variety of training conferences and research projects. NCEA publishes a quarterly newsletter, NCEA Exchange.

The Center has also published an inventory of "Best Practice" programs; published a double issue of the Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect devoted to ethical issues and elder abuse; convened teleconferences on interagency coordination, cultural diversity, and emergency services; and implemented the first phase of the elder abuse incidence study (see p. 129).

The Center disseminates many reports, books and other publications on elder abuse and neglect, including: Elder Abuse: Questions and Answers 1995, 28 pp. One of the Center's most requested publications, this booklet, also available in Spanish, provides information on the origins, causes, and incidence of elder abuse and neglect; discusses characteristics of victims and abusers; and describes services available to victims and their families. Price: $4.00 each.

Elder Abuse Video Resources: A Guide for Training and Public Education (1995), 107 pp. This guide was developed for staff training and public education activities for adult protective services/aging agencies and other organizations. It highlights selected videos by subject area, summarizing the content of each video, target audience, format, length, price and access mechanism. Also in the guide is an index by the length of time of the videos. Preparation of the guide was supported by a grant from the Administration on Aging (AoA). Price: $8.00.

An Analysis of State Laws

Addressing Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (1995) 102 pp. Developed under an AoA grant, this publication contains findings of NCEA's recent survey of state laws dealing with elder maltreatment. Starting with an analysis of the type and scope of the laws, the author examines selected major provisions of the laws. The publication also includes each state's definitions of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Price: $20.00.

For more information about the Center or for a copy of its "Publications List," please contact National Center on Elder Abuse, American Public Welfare Association, 810 First Street, N.E., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20002; (202) 682-2470 or (202) 682-0100.

New Speakers Bureau Database

The NCEA receives many requests to recommend speakers on various topics related to elder abuse and neglect for conferences, workshops, and regional meetings. As a result, NCEA is now organizing a national database of qualified speakers, which is expected to be operational in late Spring 1996. If you are an experienced presenter with a record of success or know someone who is, please request an application from CANE, Attn: Speakers Bureau, College of Human Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716; fax: (302) 831-6081.

National Clearinghouse on Elder Abuse and Neglect (CANE)

CANE is the nation's largest computerized clearinghouse dedicated solely to dissemination of information about abuse and neglect of the elderly and the organization, planning, and delivery of service designed to combat elder abuse. CANE is located at the University of Delaware and affiliated with the National Center on Elder Abuse. Dr. Karen F. Stein is the Director.

CANE's database consists of over 3,000 research articles, project reports, state laws and policies, government hearings, etc. Computerized searches and copies of holdings are available for a small fee, and a list of instructions for using CANE can be sent or faxed to you. For further information, contact CANE at (302) 831-3235 (phone) or (302) 831-6081 (fax).

National Elder Abuse Incidence Study

The National Center on Elder Abuse has launched the nation's first elder abuse incidence study, with funding from AoA and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The study, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 1997, will develop information about the types and scope of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in domestic settings and information about the characteristics of victims, including elders who; fall into the category of "self-neglect."