Apr 15, 2002 2 min read

Safety effort detailed Seminar offered

SPHS Area Agency on Aging (AAA), noting a relatively high number of incidents involving elder abuse, is sponsoring a free seminar for local law enforcement officials from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 1 at Linden Hall.

Through the program, SPHS hopes to raise awareness of elder abuse so appropriate referrals will be made to the AAA Protective Services.

Last year, SPHS AAA Protective Services received more than 900 reports, filed mostly by individuals and the community at large in the three-county service area of southwestern Pennsylvania. Only 36 (about 4 percent) originated from law enforcement agencies.

According to Marie Christinis, supervisor of AAA Protective Services, the low numbers received from law enforcement represent the fact that “although some of these law enforcement officials are familiar with elder abuse protocols, there continues to be confusion regarding when to file a report, as well as the breadth and scope of the duties and obligations of Protective Services workers.

“In addition, there appear to be difficulties once a case is substantiated by a Protective Services worker and actual criminal activity is discovered… especially when referring the case on to the appropriate district attorney’s office for criminal prosecution,” Christinis added.

The program will feature judges from Washington, Fayette and Greene counties, a representative from the state attorney general’s office, and Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht. A nationally recognized expert in forensic pathology, Wecht will address detecting evidence in criminal elder abuse cases.

Each participant will receive an educational manual, a Protective Services “how-to” book for new and veteran officers and district attorney support staffs.

Those interested in registering must do so by calling 724-379-1420 by Monday, April 22. Funding for this seminar is provided by the state Department of Aging.