The Judges and staff of the New York State Unified Court System fully recognize the need to identify and prevent elder abuse and neglect. It is so important that everyone who works in a New York State courtroom understands how pervasive this issue is and knows how to respond should they become aware that an elder person is being abused or neglected. Part of this is knowing what resources and support services are available to address the complex issues regarding elder abuse detection and diagnosis.
"Together, we can address the physical, emotional and cognitive requirements of older adults to ensure that their participation in court proceedings is as fair and meaningful as possible." — Hon. Sherry Klein Heitler
This Elder Justice Resource Guide includes information about elder abuse and neglect, including their indicators, the relevant criminal and civil laws that may apply, articles that address normal age-related mental, physical and emotional changes, and guidance relating to benefits and entitlements for the special needs of older adults. The Guide also includes a comprehensive directory of national and state services, as well as a directory of local programs in each of our thirteen Judicial Districts. Any questions about the services each program offers should be directed to the agencies themselves using the contact information provided in the Guide.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Justice at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale for collaborating with the Office of Policy & Planning in the production of this Guide. In particular I must thank the Weinberg Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Reingold, Esq., and its Director and managing Attorney, Joy Solomon, Esq. I also want to thank Hon. Deborah A. Kaplan who chairs the New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice for her efforts in championing the review of elder justice issues in our legal system. Stephanie Neville, Esq., a consultant with the Unified Court System’s Office of Policy and Planning, and Rebecca Thomforde Hauser of the Center for Court Innovation, were also very instrumental in the preparation and realization of this Guide. I thank them both for their hard work.
I hope you find this Guide to be a useful tool in serving our common goal to do justice for those who have experienced elder abuse and neglect. Together, we can address the physical, emotional and cognitive requirements of older adults to ensure that their participation in court proceedings is as fair and meaningful as possible.
Hon. Sherry Klein Heitler
Office of Justice Initiatives
The Elder Justice Resource Directory provides state and national resources listed by New York State Judicial District. It includes information about 300+ governmental and non-governmental agencies, community organizations and court liasons and other contact information. Helping begins here.
