Mission

The mission of the Council is to improve the protection of New Hampshire seniors from abuse, neglect and exploitation by increasing public education and awareness; developing resources, supports and services; improving community relations; and examining and recommending legislation.

The Council is co-chaired by Marguerite Wageling, Hillsborough County Attorney and Rachel Lakin, Adult Protective Services Program Operations Administrator for the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. 

The Elder Abuse Council includes five subcommittees:

• Community Education, Awareness and Prevention;
• Law Enforcement- Partnerships, Protection and Safety;
• Legislation;
• Adult Protective Services – Training, Tools and Supports; and
• Grants, Sponsorship and In-Kind Support.

Council activities include:

A public education campaign being launched by the Community Education, Awareness and Prevention Subcommittee to help people better recognize and understand the signs of elder abuse, the responsibility to report it under the Adult Protection Law, and where to get help.  As part of this effort, Subcommittee members have developed a poster,a brochure and a business card containing information on where to report elder abuse.

The Law Enforcement – Partnerships, Protection and Safety Subcommittee has developed a two-sided, laminated card as a quick  resource guide for police officers who are first responders in a situation involving abuse, neglect or exploitation. The card lists telephone numbers of key agencies that can be of assistance, such as the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS), the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, NH Legal Assistance and the ServiceLink Resource Center. The card also contains a list of other factors for law enforcement officers to consider when responding to elder abuse situations.

Additional Information

If you would like additional Elder Abuse Advisory Council information, please contact Rachel Lakin at rlakin@dhhs.state.nh.us