California Elder Law Attorney Blog

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua will sponsor an Elder Protection Summit on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Vintage House senior center.

In partnership with the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs' Association, the Commission on Human Rights, the Council on Aging, the Elder Financial Protection Network, Human Services Department Adult and Aging Services, Senior Advocacy Services and the California Association for Health Services at Home, the summit is geared at providing vital information and resources to seniors and those who have seniors in their lives. "Our seniors are vulnerable and it's critical that we protect them. During these difficult economic times, elder abuse can become more prevalent and these summits address issues for seniors' protection," Passalacqua said. "Prevention and community involvement are critical ways to reduce the financial, physical and emotional abuse of the elderly."

Judy Rice, chair of the Sonoma County Human Rights Commission said, "All too often, we assume that the seniors in our lives are not susceptible to the scams and neglect we read about in other places. These summits provide invaluable information about danger signs, as well as what resources are available to victims of abuse. The District Attorney has provided strong leadership in sponsoring and supporting these efforts and we look forward to providing ongoing summits throughout the county." The event will be the fifth in a series of county-wide conferences whose purpose is to raise public awareness about elder protection issues. The senior population in Sonoma County consists of more than 90,000 residents, aged 60 and over, and represents about 18 percent of the population. Previous summits have been held at Oakmont, Cloverdale, Sebastopol and Guerneville.

Future events are being planned for Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Windsor and several other locations.

First District Supervisor Valerie Brown will be in attendance. Panel speakers will provide detailed information and answer questions on a variety of elder abuse and protection issues including neglect, physical and psychological aspects of elder abuse, financial scams, safety issues, in-home care options, trends in fraud committed against the elderly and cases currently being prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office. The summit is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon April 8, 2010 at Vintage House, 264 First St. E. in Sonoma.