World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

WHEREAS,Alabama’s seniors and disabled adults are valued members of society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity; and

WHEREAS,combating abuse of older and disabled adults will help improve the quality of life for all seniors and disabled adults in this state and will allow seniors and disabled adults to continue to live as independently as possible, contributing to the life and vibrancy of Alabama; and

WHEREAS,older and disabled Alabamians may be targets for abuse, neglect and exploitation, which can occur in families and communities of all social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS,in this endeavor, the Alabama Department of Human Resources Adult Protective Services program and the Alabama Department of Senior Services work closely with partners, both public and private, at the state and local level to serve our senior and disabled adults; and

WHEREAS,the Alabama Department of Senior Services is committed to promoting the independence and dignity of older adults through educating and informing seniors, and those who work with seniors, on how to identify elder abuse and the importance of reporting suspected abuse; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama and the Adult Protective Service program of the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources are committed to protect and provide for the needs of our older and disabled citizens through prevention assessments, investigation of reports and arrangement of services; and

WHEREAS,World Elder Abuse Awareness Day offers all Alabamians the opportunity to remember victims of adult abuse and their families, to promote the programs and organizations that serve them and to participate in community efforts to improve the safety and well-being of all people throughout our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2014, as

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

in the state of the Alabama.