LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is recognizing the sixth anniversary of the Elder Abuse Task Force, applauding its efforts to protect Michigan’s aging population. Since its launch in 2019, the Task Force has united more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors to combat elder abuse and reduce barriers affecting seniors.  

“Over the past six years, the Elder Abuse Task Force has played a crucial role in raising public awareness about equipping communities with the tools to identify and prevent elder abuse,” Nessel said. “I am incredibly proud of the Task Force’s work, from successfully advocating for stronger legal protections to publishing best practices for investigating elder abuse allegations and holding abusers accountable. But there is still more work to do. We will continue to push for long-overdue reforms to ensure every Michigander is treated with dignity and respect.” 

“It is an honor to lead this team of selfless, dedicated professionals whose sole mission is to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves,” said Scott Teter, Division Chief of the Department of Attorney General Financial Crimes Division and head of the Elder Abuse Task Force. “The resistance from those vested and entrenched in a broken system is regrettable and fails to recognize the common-sense reforms that Michigan’s system has needed for 25 years. By 2030, Michigan is projected to have 2 million residents 65 and up. Reform can’t wait and we won’t stop working.” 

The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives (PDF), including more wholesale reforms, including requiring certification and training for professional guardians. 

Achievements include the adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form for investigations by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings. The Task Force has trained hundreds of police officers, prosecutors and Adult Protective Services workers. The training videos have been viewed thousands of times. In addition to the vulnerable adult incident report and associated trainings, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was passed that ensures mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation. Financial advisors and securities brokers were also added as mandatory reporters in a separate law. The Uniform Power of Attorney Act was passed and became effective July 1, 2024, to make powers of attorney more accessible with a standard form in the statute. Attorney General Dana Nessel recently released a public service announcement explaining the new law. 

More than 73,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. They experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.