Thank you for your interest in Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF) – an alliance representing more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors – all working together to reduce barriers facing our aging population.
Please take a few minutes to catch up on what the Task Force has been up to since our last issue in January 2024.
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This March marked the fifth year since the launch of the Elder Abuse Task Force in 2019. The Department of Attorney General and over 55 member groups have worked to support policy changes to improve the lives of seniors. Its efforts have achieved several of its goals. Some of those goals are:
The task force is proud of these accomplishments. It looks forward to continuing its efforts to see additional progress on its goals in the years to come.
“I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of our Elder Abuse Task Force over the last five years. Through our collaborative efforts, we have made significant strides in protecting vulnerable Michigan residents from exploitation and fraud. By fostering partnerships, seeking improvements to Michigan’s guardianship and conservator statutes and providing extensive training, we are empowering our communities to combat elder abuse effectively. Our work continues to evolve, and we remain as dedicated as ever to safeguarding our elder population and holding those who exploit them accountable.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
On July 1, 2024, the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) will become effective. The Act was signed into law on November 8, 2023. Michigan now joins 31 other states that have adopted uniform standards. The uniform standards relate to the creation and use of a power of attorney form. The passage of this law is expected to increase financial institutions’ and healthcare providers’ acceptance of Power of Attorney forms.
A Power of Attorney that meets the new statutory requirements would remain in effect even if a person later becomes incapacitated. If the Power of Attorney contains a condition stating that it is not durable, it would not remain in effect after incapacitation. This stipulation should reduce the number of guardianship and conservatorship court proceedings in the state. The UPOAA also requires an agent to maintain records and receipts. It imposes penalties if an agent uses the power granted by a Power of Attorney to steal from or abuse the person they are acting on behalf of.
Five related bills (HB 4909-4912 & HB 5047) supported by Attorney General Nessel and the Elder Abuse Task Force (EATF) would bring sweeping changes to the state’s guardianship and conservatorship laws. The bills passed with strong support in the state House last fall. They are now waiting for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The proposed reforms in HB 4909-4912 would:
HB 5047 would create a new unit within a state agency. The new unit’s purpose would be to:
The proposed reforms reflect the Task Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable adults subject to guardianship or conservatorship.
Contact Your District's State Legislator to Support These Bills
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s (PAAM) Elder Justice Project and the Subcommittee for the Training of Officers and Prosecutors of the Elder Abuse Task Force are presenting the second of two educational seminars on April 25 in Gaylord. The first seminar was held March 20 in Lansing.
PAAM and its partner have designed the seminars for prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and adult protective services staff. The seminars focus on investigating and prosecuting vulnerable adult financial exploitation offenses.
The seminars cover elder abuse cases from the first contact with the victim through sentencing. The content of the seminars is based on a recently released training manual. The training manual is available for download on MI-Train. It is also available on the PAAM Elder Justice Project website. Interested prosecutors, members of law enforcement, and adult protective services staff may email Katlyn Bolan regarding registration.
The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative is pleased to launch the Michigan Guardianship Diversion Project (MGDP) this month. The MGDP is supported by the Attorney General's Elder Abuse Task Force. MGDP Pilot projects have begun in the following Probate Courts:
The MGDP wants to empower and preserve the independence of older adults and individuals with disabilities. The MGDP will do this by connecting them to available resources and legal alternatives to guardianship.
The MGDP will:
The MGDP will assist in cases filed both under the Estates and Protected Individuals Code and the Mental Health Code. The MGDP will not represent any parties in court. The project will focus on individuals who have not yet been found incapacitated in court. We hope to be able to refer individuals to available legal resources. This includes those who are already under guardianship but want to terminate or change their legal status.
Contact MGDP staff:
Laura Kubit and Rachel Richards
517-827-8010, ext. 7
Email the project
The MGDP is funded by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
Abuse of vulnerable adults is one of the fastest growing crimes in Michigan. The National Institute of Justice completed a study that found 11 percent of elder adults reported being abused, neglected, or exploited.
The goal of Michigan’s Adult Protective Services program is to protect vulnerable adults, 18 years or older. Michigan’s Adult Protective Services investigators coordinate with:
The goal of Michigan’s Adult Protective Services program is to provide stability in a safe environment.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15th of each year.
The MDHHS Adult Protective Services Office will host a walk to raise awareness. The walk will take place on June 13, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m.
Those who would like to participate are invited to meet at the Grand Tower. It is located at 235 S. Grand Avenue in downtown Lansing.
