Madera County proclaims June Elder Abuse Awareness Month; APS to host countywide trainings

The Madera County Board of Supervisors on June 10 proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and heard from Adult Protective Services (APS) about planned countywide education sessions aimed at preventing financial and other types of elder abuse.

An APS presenter told the board that in February 2024 the agency received 1,144 referrals and that about 35% of those were related to financial abuse, which APS said remains the largest category of abuse for elders and people with disabilities in the county. APS described outreach and partnerships with the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, local police departments, Tri-County Bank, Noble Bank and area senior centers.

APS said five community educational sessions start tomorrow at the Chowchilla Senior Center and will continue at the Frank Bergon Center, Madera Adult Day Health Care Center, the Oakhurst Sierra Center and locations in the Ranchos. APS staff introduced two team members, John Dufresne, program manager, and Paul Waite, who oversees IHSS intake and ongoing units; both were described as having more than 20 years’ experience.

Supervisors praised the plan to take training into outlying communities rather than holding a single central event. Supervisor McCauley said outreach “really makes a big impact,” noting that many areas already have senior centers and that bringing sessions to the region improves access. Supervisor Rogers described elder financial scams as a personal issue and welcomed steps to raise awareness.

The board presented the proclamation to APS staff and urged continued countywide outreach.

No formal vote was required beyond approving the proclamation on the consent/calendar item; the proclamation presentation followed the board’s approval.