Did you know that it is a felony in Georgia to abuse, neglect or exploit a disabled adult or elder person age 65 and older? Did you know that it is a misdemeanor if a mandated reporter does not report suspected cases of abuse involving an elderly person?
Anyone can report abuse. But law enforcement, financial institutions, and medical and human services personnel are among those required by law to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation to Adult Protective Services (APS).
April 13-19, 2008 is National Victims' Rights Week and the Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services is urging everyone to report suspected cases of elder abuse in the community to APS.
APS is mandated under the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act to address situations of domestic abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled persons over age 18 or elders over age 65 who are living in the community and not in residential long-term care facilities. Georgia law defines abuse as the willful infliction of physical pain, physical injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation of essential services to a disabled adult or the elderly.
Suspected abuse can be reported to APS toll-free at 1-888- 774-0152 or 404-657-5250 in Metro Atlanta. The identity of the reporter is kept confidential.
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SOURCE: lincolnjournal Online
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