DA, Chief Investigator Highlight Elder Abuse

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch and Chief Investigator Kristina Perkins used the start of June to push elder-abuse reporting and prevention resources back into public view. Their June 1 statement marked Elder Abuse Awareness Month and urged residents to report suspected abuse, neglect and financial exploitation involving older adults. The message focused on local reporting channels, including Adult Protective Services, the county’s long-term care ombudsman program and the District Attorney’s own fraud-reporting tools. It also tied the county’s campaign to a broader statewide observance that culminates in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. ### Why did county prosecutors issue the statement now? June is recognized in California as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month, and the state Department of Social Services says World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed on June 15. California’s social services agency says the state has more than 6.3 million residents age 65 and older, and that more than 300,000 elders and people with disabilities are reported as abuse victims each year. The June 1 statement from Savrnoch and Perkins framed the county’s message around fraud as well as physical abuse and neglect. The Santa Barbara Independent’s publication of the statement said the officials highlighted reporting options, prevention steps and community resources for vulnerable older adults in the county. ### What kinds of abuse are officials warning about? (cdss.ca.gov) Santa Barbara County’s District Attorney website says elder and dependent adult abuse can include abuse, neglect and exploitation, and that seniors also lose billions of dollars each year to telemarketing and internet scams. The office says it created an Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Unit with an attorney, investigator and advocate operating in both North and South County. (independent.com) Kristina Perkins has also been one of the office’s public-facing voices on scam prevention. In a May 1 announcement launching a dedicated fraud-reporting email address, Perkins said residents who had been victimized by a scam or believed they were being targeted should report it so the office could identify trends and better protect the public. (da.countyofsb.org) ### Where should someone in Santa Barbara County report suspected elder abuse? Santa Barbara County Adult Protective Services says reports involving elders and dependent adults living outside long-term care facilities can be made by phone at 1-844-751-6729 or online through ReportToAPS.org for non-emergencies. The county says APS investigates abuse and neglect allegations and connects victims with short-term case management, crisis intervention and other resources. (independent.com) Santa Barbara County says suspected abuse in skilled nursing or residential care facilities should be reported to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 805-922-1236. The California Department of Aging says long-term care facilities must also post the local ombudsman number and the statewide CRISISline, 1-800-231-4024. The District Attorney’s Office has also added a fraud-reporting email, reportfraud@countyofsb.org, alongside its Scam Hotline at 805-568-2442. (countyofsb.org) The office said in May that the hotline is not staffed for live calls and is not meant for emergencies requiring an immediate law-enforcement response. ### What support does the DA’s office say it already has in place? (countyofsb.org) The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office says its Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Unit coordinates with Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office and local law-enforcement agencies. The office says the unit’s advocate helps victims and families, while prosecutors and investigators review, investigate and prosecute cases. The same office says it offers training to law enforcement, financial gatekeepers and community groups on recognizing physical abuse, protecting financial assets and reporting suspected abuse. (independent.com) Its speakers bureau says prosecutors, investigators and victim-advocate staff are available to speak to local organizations on elder abuse and related issues. ### Who are the officials behind the statement? John T. Savrnoch has served as Santa Barbara County district attorney since January 2, 2023, after his election in June 2022, according to the office biography. (da.countyofsb.org) The same county website identifies Kristina Perkins as the office’s chief investigator and has featured her in recent public announcements on scam reporting and prevention. The June awareness push comes as the office continues to direct residents to multiple reporting channels rather than a single hotline. (da.countyofsb.org) Santa Barbara County’s own abuse-reporting page says anyone in immediate danger should call 911, while non-emergency complaints can go to APS, the ombudsman program or DA fraud investigators depending on the setting and allegation. ### What happens next in June? June 15 is the next named date in the campaign calendar, with California observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day that day. (da.countyofsb.org) Santa Barbara County residents can continue using APS at 1-844-751-6729, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 805-922-1236, and the District Attorney’s fraud-reporting channels as the month’s outreach continues. (cdss.ca.gov) (countyofsb.org)