Meals on Wheels Diablo Region Announces New Court Accompaniment Program

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) announces a new supportive service for seniors in Contra Costa County. Through collaboration with Contra Costa County
Employment & Human Services, the Congress of Neutrals, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, the Family Justice Center, and the Contra Costa County Court System, the Court Accompaniment Program pairs trained volunteers with older adults age 60 and older who are experiencing abuse, providing
steady, respectful support before and during civil court appearances.

“The Court Accompaniment Program is an emotional support program that helps older adults feel more
confident and less intimidated or isolated when attending court proceedings,” says Tuyet Iaconis, MOW
Diablo Region Health & Wellness Senior Manager. “At MOW Diablo Region, we see many of our older neighbors navigating life completely on their own. The legal system can be overwhelming for any of us, but especially for vulnerable, isolated seniors.”

The program does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or case advocacy. Instead, volunteers
trained in elder abuse awareness and court protocols assist seniors with taking notes, remembering key details, navigating the courthouse, and providing emotional support during stressful situations. Court Companions provide one-on-one support and encouragement to help older adults overcome fear, build confidence, and navigate the court process. Court Accompaniment clients also have access to transportation through partnerships with local ride services, including Concord Taxicab in Central Contra Costa County.

EHSD reports that in 2025, Adult Protective Services (APS) received 8,100 elder and dependent adult abuse reports, including 172 reports from law enforcement, in Contra Costa County. Elder abuse is significantly underreported. According to the U.S.Department of Justice, only one in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Court Companions help seniors feel more confident when taking legal action to protect themselves and ensure that older adults do not have to
navigate complex legal processes alone.

This pilot program is funded through a collaborative grant awarded to EHSD’s Alliance to End Abuse by
the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. Court Accompaniment is available to
Contra Costa County residents aged 60 and older. Those in need of Court Accompaniment for an
ongoing or upcoming legal matter may contact caremanagement@mowdr.org or call 925-482-1876.

This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-24-GK-01585-ALLX awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S.
Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibit are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.