NCJ Number
108757
Journal
Journal of Gerontological Social Work Volume: 10 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 47-60
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the incidence and characteristics of elderly maltreatment cases reported to a social service agency, based on 17,344 reports made to the South Carolina Adult Protective Services Division between 1974 and 1984.
Abstract
Analysis of the cases indicated a steady increase in reports for the first 9 years and a decrease the last year. Over three-fourths of all reports were substantiated as maltreatment. Neglect was found in 85.1 percent of these cases. Victims were typically female, ambulatory, and had low incomes. Only 2 percent of the substantiated cases required court resolution, suggesting that the offer of services was sufficient to stop the maltreatment. Only 17.7 percent of the substantiated cases required protective placement. This reflects a commitment to noninstitutional and community care, indicating that the Adult Protective Services perform a valuable function by protecting the adult disabled and elderly population while preserving their dignity and holding the family in high regard. The article recommends programs to increase public awareness of adult maltreatment and community outreach. 11 footnotes.