NCJ Number
169689
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video instructs the officers of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in the nature of, the law with respect to, and their responsibilities in responding to the abuse and neglect of elderly persons and dependent adults.
Abstract
The video opens with still photographs of elderly persons who have been physically injured through abuse or neglect by their caregivers. Law enforcement trainers then instruct officers in laws and procedures pertinent to their response to such abuse. The instructive lectures are accompanied by illustrative photographs and video, along with written outlines of the material presented. When the video speaks of elder and dependent adult abuse, this encompasses physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. The abused elderly are typically dependent on a caretaker, often a younger family member; and dependent adults who are abused are typically handicapped to an extent that requires being heavily dependent on others for care. A law enforcement instructor reviews the provisions of California's mandatory reporting law for the abuse of elderly persons, as well as the voluntary reporting of emotional abuse. This is followed by instruction in the indicators of physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. Indicators are in the areas of the victim's physical condition, conditions in the victim's environment, the suspected abuser's behavior, and the financial vulnerability of the victim. Instruction also covers the responsibilities of the responding officer and the investigating officer in cases of suspected abuse of elderly and dependent adults. Interagency cooperation is also discussed. A discussion guide accompanies the video.