Outreach - Education - Communication - Advocacy - Prevention - Mental/Physical Health

Targetting Adult Abuse, Neglect, & Self-Neglect

In 2001, the Adult Guardianship Project at the office of the Public Trustee of British Columbia granted initial funding to develop a community response network (CRN), in the Creston Valley. Information workshops have been provided to the general public, and regular monthly meetings are held to keep members aware of projects throughout the valley.

What Can You Do?

If you think and adult is abused, neglected, or self-neglected, and they can't get help on their own:

First:
Talk to them, ask if they understand that you may be able to help.

Ask:

• "Are you having some trouble?"
• "Can I help you?"
• "Is there someone I can put you in touch with?"
• "How would you like to be assisted?"

Ask the advice of someone you trust who might know where to get the kind of help needed. Contact one of the CNR members--they may know what to do.

But:
If you have concerns that an adult is:

1. abused, neglected, or self-neglected and
2. is refusing support and assistance and
3. appears to be mentally incapable or physically unable to get help on their own

Then you can report the situation to:

1. Your Regional Health Authority, or
2. Continuing Care, or
3. the RCMP.

Under British Columbia's new Adult Guardianship Act, these agencies have a mandate to look into reports of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of adults who cannot get help on their own.