On June 15, our Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic held an event in conjunction with AARP Florida for the local community to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event was held in collaboration with the Claude Pepper Center and the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, two other entities on FSU’s campus that focus on aging policy. More than 200 people attended in person and virtually. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody gave opening remarks to a packed audience, followed by Rima Nathan, director of FSU Law's Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic, who introduced the first three panelists. Roy Carr, state director of Adult Protective Services; Terri Cantrell, state ombudsman of the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program; and Lisa Bretz, executive director of Advantage Aging Solutions spoke on elder abuse, how to spot it, resources to help, and caregiver support. Karen Murillo of AARP Florida introduced the second set of panelists: Victoria Butler, director of the Consumer Protection Division at the Florida Attorney General’s Office; Sergeant Joseph LeSerra, of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office; and Resident Special Agent in Charge Seth Reister, of the United States Secret Service, Tallahassee Resident Office. They talked about how to identify scammers, recent scams and fraudulent activities, and resources for how to talk to loved ones about potential security threats. Closing remarks were delivered by Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families Shevaun Harris. The event also included a resource fair for attendees to learn about recognizing and addressing elder abuse.

Published June 30, 2023