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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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North Dakota Dials In on Elder Abuse and Neglect

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015   

BISMARCK, N.D. - With the population of North Dakota growing older, the state is taking more action to help better protect the also-growing number of elderly and vulnerable adults subject to possible abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services today launches a new confidential website and phone hotline to report suspected abuse anywhere in the state.

Elder Rights Program Administrator Michelle Gayette with the Aging Service Division, North Dakota Department of Human Services, explains.

"What we'll do is take all the information from them on the phone or online and then, we will enter it all into our data system and send it out to the regions from there," says Gayette. "Then, we'll have our people in the regions out in the homes where we want them to be – checking on health, welfare and safety."

All the details on how to make a report are available on the North Dakota Department of Human Services website. The department receives about 1,500 reports each year of possible abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Janis Cheney, state director, AARP North Dakota, says those cases include physical injury, emotional pain, sexual contact and misuse of finances.

"Unfortunately these things do happen anywhere and everywhere," Cheney says. "So, it really is important that we shine the light on this, make people aware of it, and make sure that there are resources to assist folks in these kinds of situations."

Cheney notes this is just the latest step North Dakota has taken in recent years to raise the visibility and reduce the prevalence of elder abuse and neglect. That includes a 2013 law spelling out the more than two-dozen professions where workers are mandated reporters.


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