As the number of elder abuse victims continues to rise, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Supreme Court Justices banded together to create a task force to tackle the problem. More than 30 different organizations including law enforcement, state agencies, the Michigan House, Senate and Congressional delegation, and advocacy groups have committee to being part of the task force. To ensure a strong legislative role on the task force as it identifies laws that may need to be strengthened, four members of the legislature will join the task force. The chairs of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, Senator Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Twp.) and Representative Graham Filler (R-DeWitt), along with Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren) and Representative Brian Elder (D-Bay City), will be active members of the task force. Additionally, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein and Justice Megan Cavanagh will represent the Court. To view the full membership list, please click here.

The Michigan Supreme Court is involved in leading the task force due to its supervisory role over all Michigan courts. In evaluating the system and making recommendations for change, the Court will be focused on three key questions:

1. 1. Are proper legal procedures being followed?
   2. Is the system transparent with the necessary data and records collected so that courts can properly review existing guardianships?
   3. Is there appropriate education and support for guardians, judges, and attorneys so that they are all able to fulfill their respective roles?

The Elder Abuse Task Force will hold a series of hearings around the state starting Friday, June 14^th in Kent County.

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