MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $1.9 million grant to provide care services for elderly and disabled victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources is using the funds to assist its Adult Protective Services program throughout the state. The program provides short-term in-home care and supervision, homemaking and sitter services for elderly and disabled adults who remain in their own homes after an abusive caregiver has been removed.
“Elderly and disabled victims who cannot look after themselves deserve to have help and to be cared for in their time of need,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to help DHR’s efforts to provide comfort and much-needed assistance to those victims who need it most.”
The grant also will help provide short-term funding for placement options for victims who cannot safely remain in their homes, including placement in nursing homes, adult foster care or assisted living facilities. According to DHR officials, about 625 victims need in-home care and supervision services and 15 victims will need short term out-of-home placement each month. In 2015, DHR investigated 8,078 reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Through ADECA’s partnership with other state agencies, we are able to provide essential assistance to those most in need,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “The program supported by this grant will provide an invaluable resource for those victims who might not always be able to care for themselves.”
ADECA manages a wide array of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, energy conservation, water resource management, economic development and recreation.
Bentley notified DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner that the grant had been approved.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley