Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has marked the sixth anniversary of the Elder Abuse Task Force, highlighting its ongoing efforts to safeguard the state's elderly population. Since its inception in 2019, the Task Force has brought together over 55 organizations from various sectors to tackle elder abuse and reduce challenges faced by seniors.

"Over the past six years, the Elder Abuse Task Force has played a crucial role in raising public awareness about equipping communities with the tools to identify and prevent elder abuse," Nessel stated. "I am incredibly proud of the Task Force’s work, from successfully advocating for stronger legal protections to publishing best practices for investigating elder abuse allegations and holding abusers accountable. But there is still more work to do. We will continue to push for long-overdue reforms to ensure every Michigander is treated with dignity and respect."

Scott Teter, Division Chief of the Department of Attorney General Financial Crimes Division and head of the Elder Abuse Task Force, commented on their mission: "It is an honor to lead this team of selfless, dedicated professionals whose sole mission is to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. The resistance from those vested and entrenched in a broken system is regrettable and fails to recognize the common-sense reforms that Michigan’s system has needed for 25 years. By 2030, Michigan is projected to have 2 million residents 65 and up. Reform can’t wait and we won’t stop working."

The task force consists of over 100 individuals divided into seven committees focused on nine initiatives aimed at broader reforms, such as requiring certification and training for professional guardians.

Key achievements include implementing a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form used by law enforcement statewide along with related training sessions that have reached hundreds of police officers, prosecutors, and Adult Protective Services workers. Training videos have garnered thousands of views. The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act mandates financial institutions report suspected fraud or exploitation while another law designates financial advisors and securities brokers as mandatory reporters.

Additionally, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act was enacted effective July 1, 2024, providing a standardized form within state statutes. A public service announcement was recently released by Attorney General Nessel explaining this new legislation.

In Michigan alone, over 73,000 older adults fall victim to elder abuse annually through neglect or exploitation. Residents seeking resources or needing to report suspected cases are urged to contact designated hotlines at 800-24-ABUSE (22873) or 855-444-3911.