Hon. Paula Feroleto, Administrative Judge, Eighth Judicial District
With 3.7 million adults over 60 years of age, New York State has one of the highest older populations in the nation, and that population is projected to grow dramatically. According to the New York State Office for the Aging, by 2030 5.2 million people in New York will be over 60, and 1.8 million will be over 85.
Karen Nicolson, CEO, Center for Elder Law & Justice
These older New Yorkers are vulnerable not only to physical and mental impairment, but also physical, sexual and financial abuse and exploitation. Many of these matters will come before our courts, and we are working with legal partners to increase awareness and improve outcomes in these cases.
A recent grant will support the Elder Justice Navigator Project, an initiative of the court system and the Center for Elder Law & Justice in Western New York which was launched July 12 in Mayville, Chautauqua County. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this initiative will support training of court personnel to spot elder abuse in matters such as foreclosures or guardianships, where the abuse may be present but not identified as the main issue presented in a case. The Center for Elder Law & Justice will also engage in public education efforts through development of web-based materials and participation in seminars nationwide.
Sen. Catharine Young
At a press conference at the Chautauqua County Courthouse, Justice Paula Feroleto, the Administrative Judge for the Eighth Judicial District, said, “It is the Court’s objective to ensure access to justice for New Yorkers of all backgrounds, incomes, and special needs. Through this collaboration with Center for Elder Law & Justice and Chautauqua County, the Court is equipped with the tools to compassionately and holistically adjudicate matters dealing with the aging population victimized by elder abuse. This innovative project is something that we hope to become a model for the nation.”
Justice Feroleto was joined at the press conference by Karen Nicolson, CEO of the Center for Elder Law & Justice, as well as State Senator Cathy Young and Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello.