Do You Know the Signs of Elder Abuse?

By DEBORAH KEMP

Do you know someone you think is being subjected to physical, emotional or financial elder abuse? The Contra Costa County Public Law Library, with branches in Martinez, Richmond and Pittsburg, has information and resources for recognizing and reporting elder abuse.

The library has a special interest in serving seniors, and senior citizens are targeted for outreach. We have a number of free brochures and other materials on Elder Abuse and other topics of interest to seniors.

In addition, the Library can also provide you with information about organizations such as Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (“CCSLS” ), a non-profit organization providing free civil legal services to Contra Costa County residents who are 60 or older.

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We also have information about Senior Self-Help Clinics sponsored by the Contra Costa County Bar Association as well as information about the County Bar Association’s Elder Law Clinic that assists individuals who have been financially abused.

Each Library branch has computers available to find information about elder abuse at the county and state level. Library Director Carey Rowan in Martinez, can also help you with specialized research.

Please stop in, or call the Law Library at (925) 646-2783 to learn more about Elder Abuse, including what it is and what can be done about it. Visit us online at http://www.cccpllib.org to find locations, directions, and hours of service as well as access to many resources including upcoming workshops and clinics. Contra Costa County Public Law Library is your source for legal information!

El Cerrito resident Deborah Kemp is an attorney and part-time law librarian. Carey Rowan has been the Law Library Director since 2008 and previously served with libraries in Solano and Los Angeles County.