New Michigan Laws Aim to Better Protect Seniors from Neglect and Abuse

From Smith Haughey: (click for full article)

On June 19, 2012, Governor Snyder signed into law a series of bills designed to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from neglect and abuse. The bills modernize Michigan law by providing many of the same protections afforded to vulnerable youth.

Financial, emotional, and sexual abuse of seniors and vulnerable adults is a serious and common problem. It is often perpetrated by those in a position of trust and those closest to the victim. While the mental and emotional damages are incalculable, abuse and neglect may also result in major financial hardship. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 vulnerable adults are abused or neglected each year. Studies indicate that many seniors and vulnerable adults are forced to turn to social services as a result of financial exploitation, costing American taxpayers over $2 billion annually. However, many cases of abuse and neglect are never reported because of the risk of embarrassment or shame at having been defrauded.

The bills signed by Governor Snyder codify protections for seniors and vulnerable adults by providing reporting requirements, establishing protocols for investigations into abuse and neglect, clarifying what constitutes abuse and neglect, and increasing penalties for defrauding and embezzling from vulnerable adults.