THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY HENNESSEY, JUNE 14, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JUNE 14, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Designating June 15, 2011, as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in

Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Older Pennsylvanians should be recognized as a

valuable resource to this Commonwealth; and 

WHEREAS, No one is immune to the threat of elder abuse; and

WHEREAS, It is the obligation of all citizens to protect the

health, safety and welfare of this Commonwealth's elder

citizens; and

WHEREAS, The Commonwealth received more than 15,000 reports

of elder abuse in 2010, and it is estimated that only one in

five cases of abuse is reported; and 

WHEREAS, The act of November 6, 1987 (P.L.381, No.79), known

as the Older Adult Protective Services Act, requires that older

adults who lack the capacity to protect themselves shall have

access to and be provided with services necessary to protect

their health, safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, A partnership exists between the Department of

Aging, the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging,

district attorneys, county elder abuse task forces and State and

local law enforcement to investigate every allegation of elder

abuse; and

WHEREAS, It is necessary to increase awareness of the

incidents of elder abuse and to educate people about the methods

to report suspected cases of abuse; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate June

15, 2011, as "Elder Abuse Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and

strive to increase awareness every day about elder abuse and the

resources in place to prevent it from occurring.