As we recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Month this June and prepare for the long-awaited return of the District Attorney’s Senior Justice and Wellness Expo on June 18, we want to look back and appreciate nearly a quarter century of innovations that have improved the justice system for not only Allegheny County’s older adults, but for those throughout Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has the fifth largest population of older adults in the United States, at approximately 3.4 million. According to the Area Agency on Aging, older adults account for nearly 40 percent of households in Allegheny County. With such a significant and growing population of adults ages 60 and older comes an increased risk of them becoming victims of crime, such as fraud or abuse.
In 2010, state officials of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court saw a rising need to accommodate older persons involuntarily thrust into the justice system and took action by creating the Elder Justice Task Force. The task force’s main role was to identify challenges and address the needs of older adults encountering the court system. It uncovered a common concern of legal issues affecting older Pennsylvanians, which resulted in the formation of the Elder Law Task Force, a statewide team of 36 experts in all areas of elder law.
The Elder Law Task Force, led by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, published its Report and Recommendations in 2014. The report served as a foundation to enhance the judicial experience for older adults.
Chief Justice Todd values the contributions older adults bring to our society and considers the demographic growth to be a blessing. “These citizens impart a wealth of wisdom, a deep understanding of our past and an abiding faith that links the past, present and future,” comments Chief Justice Todd. “Many elders are not only active in the workplace, but also are volunteers who selflessly devote countless hours to others.”
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. was given the privilege of being an inaugural member of the Supreme Court’s Elder Law Task Force and has been integral to implementing changes with the older adults’ best interests in mind. “My first goal was to understand senior victimization,” says DA Zappala. “Crimes against seniors affect every aspect of their quality of life, from their physical and mental health, to their lifetime of savings, to their overall sense of security.”
Chief Justice Todd commended the work of DA Zappala and attributed his participation as necessary to accomplish the task force’s mission. “District Attorney Zappala has been extremely active in supporting elder justice and safeguarding the rights of elders. His involvement in both the Elder Law Task Force and the Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts has been essential to the success of our clerks’ elder justice initiatives.”
DA Zappala helped pioneer reform in the courts by introducing new practices to aid older adults in various phases from prevention, prosecution and post-disposition. The DA’s team of Senior Justice Advocates aims to combat crimes against older adults, such as fraud and abuse, by actively engaging and educating the community. The Fraud Squad alert system is a preventative measure that notifies individuals of new scams, warns of red flags, and provides tips on how to avoid being scammed.
The Elder Abuse Special Victims Unit is staffed by attorneys well versed in the legalities of crimes against older adults to ensure the rights of the victim are met. The DA’s Office also pairs victims with advocates to accompany and help them navigate the intricacies of the court system. Act 71 liaisons are in place to contact and inform victims of updates, such as changes to their abuser’s parole.
Statewide, Chief Justice Todd suggests the Elder Law Task Force’s greatest contribution has been implementing the Guardianship Tracking System (GTS). In Pennsylvania, adults may be entered into the guardianship of a professional or family member when a court determines them to be incapacitated. Guardians are then given responsibility to make decisions related to finances, medical treatments and personal matters. The GTS revolutionized the state’s ability to monitor guardianships across the Commonwealth and remediated a history of previous problems.
“The judiciary has grappled with difficulties in guardianship appointment, screening, monitoring, and reporting of physical and financial abuse—all of which have been cited as significant areas of concern with respect to elders,” says Chief Justice Todd.
With GTS, guardians, court staff, orphans’ court clerks and judges have a uniform way to file, manage, track and report on guardianships.
Although the Elder Law Task Force has made big waves in modernizing and accommodating older adults’ court experiences, there is still much to be done. In the future, Chief Justice Todd plans to continue addressing court-related challenges for older adults through education, trainings, engagement with PA law schools and expanding GTS capabilities.
“Continued meaningful transformation of the adult guardianship system will be essential to supporting the safety, wellbeing, and financial security of this growing population while also protecting their legal rights, freedom and access to justice,” comments Chief Justice Todd.
As a current member of the Elder Law Task Force and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts, DA Zappala remains committed to seeking justice and providing resources for older Allegheny County residents. “We’re going to continue to do what we do best—and that’s giving a voice to some of our most vulnerable, while prioritizing their safety, health and finances.”
Both the Chief Justice and DA Zappala acknowledge their responsibility in leading these initiatives and find value in the overall outcomes.
“We believe that the range, efficacy and quality of services that elders receive from the courts is a matter of public trust and confidence,” says Chief Justice Todd.
“How we treat our people matters,” adds DA Zappala. “Despite anyone’s age, abilities or disabilities, everyone is entitled to justice if they’ve been wronged. It is my job as District Attorney to ensure that justice.”
DA Zappala’s Senior Justice and Wellness Expo, returning June 18 to Acrisure Stadium, will celebrate years of collaboration and accomplishments. For more information and how to register, visit alleghenycountyda.us.