Elder Abuse Prevention Program

According to the best available estimates, between one and two million Americans, age 65 or older, have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

An initiative formally began October 2, 2006, with posters placed on Golden Gate Transit buses and bus shelters, highlighting elder abuse and advertising the DA's new elder abuse prevention information line, (415)473-5050.

The Marin County District Attorney's Office is collaborating with many agencies and community-based organizations to address the subject elder abuse in our community, whether it stems from neglect, physical abuse, or financial fraud.

This office is a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) composed of law enforcement, prosecution, and public sector agencies charged with protecting and safeguarding our seniors.

The Marin County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST), coordinated by the Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN), is a multidisciplinary team of public agency representatives and private professionals from the financial services industry. FAST was formed in 2005 to provide expert forensic assistance in the investigation of complex cases of suspected elder financial abuse. FAST also works to raise public awareness and provide community education and professional training programs.

Signs of possible financial elder abuse include:

Isolating the elder by limiting contact with friends and other family members.
The exercise of excessive control or sway over an elder.
Sudden changes in the elder's banking practice.
Abrupt changes in a will or financial documents.
Unexplained disappearance of valuable possessions.
Substandard care being provided or bills going unpaid, despite adequate financial resources.
Statements by the elder about suspected financial exploitation