Wasn't sure where to put this. If in the wrong place, mods please move. I ran across this last night seeking help for a 40 year old man who is being abused, and I am shocked! Simply shocked this is allowed to happen in not just PA but 4 others states as well. (I haven't looked for the other 4 if anyone knows which 4). So incredibly sad between the ages of 18 and 59 so many have NO voice!
Pa. 1 of 5 states lacking adult protection law
Monday, December 15, 2008
By Daniel Malloy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Soaked in his own urine, the West End man was left alone for 10 hours a day. Mentally and physically incapacitated by multiple sclerosis, he had no way of seeking help.
The man's brothers, who profited from his pension and Social Security disability checks, left him tied to his wheelchair all day.
Sherie Lammers, outreach director for the National MS Society's office in Pittsburgh, was appalled when she saw the scene in July.
If the man had been under 18, Ms. Lammers could have called the Office of Children, Families and Youth to intervene and obtain proper care for him. If he had been 60 or older, Ms. Lammers could have called the Older Adult Protective Services System.
But the man is 42, and Pennsylvania is one of only six states that does not have an adult protective services law, according to a tally by Vision For Equality, a Philadelphia-based disability services organization.
Unless the man files a protection from abuse order -- which Ms. Lammers said he's incapable of doing -- authorities won't step in, because he's not in immediate physical danger.
more at link
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08350/935270-114.stm
Pa. 1 of 5 states lacking adult protection law
Monday, December 15, 2008
By Daniel Malloy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Soaked in his own urine, the West End man was left alone for 10 hours a day. Mentally and physically incapacitated by multiple sclerosis, he had no way of seeking help.
The man's brothers, who profited from his pension and Social Security disability checks, left him tied to his wheelchair all day.
Sherie Lammers, outreach director for the National MS Society's office in Pittsburgh, was appalled when she saw the scene in July.
If the man had been under 18, Ms. Lammers could have called the Office of Children, Families and Youth to intervene and obtain proper care for him. If he had been 60 or older, Ms. Lammers could have called the Older Adult Protective Services System.
But the man is 42, and Pennsylvania is one of only six states that does not have an adult protective services law, according to a tally by Vision For Equality, a Philadelphia-based disability services organization.
Unless the man files a protection from abuse order -- which Ms. Lammers said he's incapable of doing -- authorities won't step in, because he's not in immediate physical danger.
more at link
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08350/935270-114.stm
