About the EA-CCR

The Dane County Coordinated Community Response to Elder Abuse  (EA-CCR) is an appointed task force of the Dane County Commission on Sensitive Crimes (COSC).  The EA-CCR seeks to educate the public, community agencies and service providers about elder abuse, how to assist those at risk and how to report concerns.

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to any person 60 years of age and older.  It includes self neglect, financial exploitation, neglect, and physical, emotional or sexual  abuse.

The majority of investigations are about allegations of neglect, financial exploitation and physical abuse. 70% of victims are women and those people between 60-79 years of age. In the majority of cases, family members and trusted others are the alleged abusers.

ORDINANCE CHAPTER:  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES: COMMISSION ON SENSITIVE CRIMES: 15.23

• Policy development and coordination
  • EA-CCR is not typically involved in policy development but is willing to support proposed policy on EAN issues when asked or needed
  • Re: prevention, intervention, investigation, prosecution- these topics are discussed at each EA-CCR meeting as information-sharing but not as policy development or coordination
• Resources (incl website)
  • EA-CCR collects, assesses and shares EAN and older adult resources at every meeting
  • Dane County APS provides a yearly summary of EAN issues, reports, investigations and victimizations
  • Resource sharing and education is a priority for the EA-CCR and its subcommittees
• Studies and recommendations
  • EA-CCR does not conduct studies or make recommendations
  • EA-CCR would be willing to work with community partners to support their information-gathering or study efforts
• Legislation
  • EA-CCR is not typically involved in proposing or analyzing legislation but there is discussion of legislation if/when it is proposed or going through the legislative process
  • EA-CCR is willing to work with other agencies that are involved with legislation such as the Dane County Area Agency on Aging legislative committee
  • EA-CCR membership represents at the annual Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) Aging Advocacy Day by educating State legislators on priority issues impacting older adults
• Data
  • The State of WI collects data regarding state-wide and county elder abuse, neglect and exploitation via the WRAPS system
  • Dane County APS collects data as it relates to EAN and IDD abuse, Elder and IDD criminal victimizations, and dementia-related issues

What is the EA-CCR mission?

To support the safety and quality of life of older adults in our community by reducing the incidence of elder abuse.

Goals of the EA-CCR

Educate the community, agencies, and service providers about how to identify and intervene when there is a concern regarding elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

What are the objectives of the EA-CCR?

Objectives
1.    Engage community systems and members in monthly meetings
2.    Use existing community resources and collaborations to carry out the EACCR mission 
3.    Promote community events that carry out the EACCR mission
4.    Offer educational opportunities to the EACCR membership in addressing and/or preventing elder abuse
5.    Understand public policy that affects the well-being of elders in Dane County 
6.    Broaden EACCR membership and participation through inclusion, equity and diversity

Functions of the EACCR

The EA-CCR is an advisory committee appointed by the Dane County Commission on Sensitive Crimes (COSC) and forms subcommittees when needed. The subcommittees report back to the EA-CCR on the progress of their projects and, if needed, the EA-CCR offers guidance, provides sanctions and promotes projects. A part-time staff person is funded through the Dane County budget to provide assistance with administrative tasks.

Membership of EA-CCR?

The EA-CCR membership consists of community members, professionals and service providers who work with older adults who may be experiencing or are at risk for experiencing abuse, neglect and exploitation. Current membership includes representation from law enforcement, community social services, elder law attorneys, APS staff, financial institutions, Aging and Disability Resource Center, State of WI APS and Long-term care agencies, Managed Care Organizations and the University of WI Madison.

Reporting

The EA-CCR reports monthly to the COSC. Additionally, an annual report of the EA-CCR’s accomplishments and ongoing projects is provided to GWAAR/State of Wisconsin.

Meeting Information

The EA-CCR meetings are a place to discuss and problem-solve current issues related to elder abuse and exploitation. The meetings are also a networking opportunity for those working to end elder abuse in our community.  The EA-CCR often hosts presenters on various topics.  The agenda may also include group discussion and problem solving of cases presented from the membership. The EA-CCR meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 11:30 am – 12:30pm

•    Domestic Violence in Later Life (DVinLL) - This subcommittee annually plans and hosts the Domestic Violence in Later Life Conference with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.  DVinLL subcommittee meets on an as-needed basis

•    Dane County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) - This subcommittee seeks to prevent the financial exploitation of older adults and to educate its members about the issue.  Its membership includes law enforcement, attorneys, social workers, community members, financial institutions, court representatives and other professionals who work with older and vulnerable adults in Dane County. FAST meets monthly on the 4th Thursday of each month, 11:30am-12:30pm

•    HTF- Hoarding Task Force- This subcommittee seeks to educate its members and the community about Hoarding behaviors and their effects as well as how to help those who struggle with the disorder and update community resources. The Hoarding Task Force no longer meets regularly but can convene on an as-needed basis

 
•    WEAAD- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) - This subcommittee plans and holds events on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) to call public attention to the issue of elder abuse.  WEAAD subcommittee meets January-June on an as-needed basis