To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim June 2025 as Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring June 2025 as Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month is to shed light on the abuse and neglect that elderly and vulnerable adults face. All community members can be involved by learning to recognize the signs of abuse and offering support.
In Contra Costa County, the Employment and Human Services Adult & Aging Services staff administer services for older people and dependent adults, and operate the Adult Protective Services hotline.
Elder and dependent adult abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm. Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Approximately one in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced one form of elder abuse.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming June 2025 as Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, as our population lives longer, we are presented with an opportunity to honor and protect older and dependent adults; and
WHEREAS, during June and on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, we join others throughout the world in supporting the theme Grow the Conversation, Recognize the Signs, Reduce the Risks.
WHEREAS, this international observance provides opportunities to promote better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people and dependent adults by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, in 2024 in Contra Costa County, Adult Protective Services (APS) received 7,784 elder and dependent adult abuse reports; and
WHEREAS, APS in Contra Costa County investigates abuse concerns and collaborates with other county agencies and community-based organizations to protect, advocate, and provide services for older and dependent adult clients; and
WHEREAS, older and dependent adults deserve to be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and vital participating members of our communities; and
WHEREAS, community members can look out for the safety and protection of seniors and disabled adults by reporting various types of suspected elder abuse, including emotional, financial, physical, sexual, neglect, abandonment, or isolation; and
WHEREAS, signs of elder and dependent abuse include lack of basic amenities; a cluttered, soiled living environment; unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior; unexplained sexually transmitted diseases; unpaid bills, new credit cards and/or increased cash withdrawals; harassment, coercion, injury, intimidation or humiliation; and caregiver isolation of the elder or dependent adult; and
WHEREAS, preventing abuse of older and dependent adults, through maintaining and improving social supports like senior centers, nutrition programs, human services, and transportation, enables them to live as independently as possible and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors acknowledges and proclaims the month of June 2025 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, affirming the importance of supporting our older and disabled residents with services and programs to help keep them safe.
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