A new contract aimed at preventing elder abuse in San Francisco has been approved, marking a significant step in safeguarding vulnerable adults. The San Francisco Commission unanimously authorized a four-year agreement with the Institute on Aging, allocating $2,012,500 to fund essential services from September 2025 to June 2029.

Ben Seystelos, representing Adult Protective Services, highlighted the contract's dual focus: facilitating multidisciplinary team meetings and training mandated reporters to identify and report suspected abuse. "This is important because many of us have encountered situations where an older person or a person with disabilities appears to be in harm's way," Seystelos stated, emphasizing the complexity of these cases and the need for coordinated responses.

The contract supports three key multidisciplinary teams: one addressing abuse by others, another focusing on self-neglect, and a third reviewing cases to improve systemic responses. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that at-risk individuals receive the necessary support.

Commissioners expressed their support for the program, noting its innovative nature and effectiveness. The funding for this initiative comes solely from county general funds, with discussions indicating that federal funding through the Older Americans Act will be addressed in future agenda items.

The approval of this contract not only reinforces San Francisco's commitment to protecting its elderly population but also sets a precedent for continued efforts in elder abuse prevention and community education. The next steps will involve implementing the contract and ensuring that the necessary training and resources are made available to those on the front lines of this critical issue.