368+ Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Guide for CA Law Enforcement

Functionality & Mechanism

This digital field guide from UC Irvine's Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect is a rapid-response resource for law enforcement. The application streamlines access to essential information by organizing and presenting California penal codes, key signs of elder abuse and neglect, and other relevant resources for first responders. It functions as an in-the-field reference tool designed to support officers when responding to cases involving elder or dependent adult abuse.

Development & Context

• The app was developed by UC Irvine and the Institute on Aging to address rising elder abuse reports at a time of shrinking agency resources.
• Content was created with input from professionals in law enforcement, civil law, and medicine to ensure its practical relevance for field personnel.
• The news coverage notes the tool was made available at no cost for a time, with support from funders like the Archstone and UniHealth Foundations.
• UC Irvine's developing center was designated the National Center on Elder Abuse by the U.S. Administration on Aging prior to the app's launch.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed specifically as a job-support tool for California law enforcement officers and emergency first responders dealing with potential elder and dependent adult abuse. Its scope is limited to providing reference materials, such as relevant penal codes and signs of abuse, to augment on-the-job decision-making. Information is drawn from news coverage.