The New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice was designated a standing advisory committee of the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts pursuant to Judiciary Law §212(1)(q) on December 1, 2015. Judge Deborah Kaplan is the Committee’s chair. Understanding that issues that affect older adults, including elder abuse both in the civil and criminal context, often have widespread health, social, economic and legal implications, the NYS Judicial Committee on Elder Justice is comprised of court personnel, non-profit service providers, government agencies, academics, mediators, medical professionals, financial experts, social workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, legal services attorneys and other members of the bar. In collaboration with these community partners, Justice Kaplan is working to ensure that all court personnel are aware of and responsive to the needs of older litigants and the particular challenges they may face when appearing in court.
The Committee is dedicated to raising awareness of issues affecting older adults in our state and beyond, and to developing programs, protocols, and procedures to improve how the court system addresses the growing number of cases involving the state's older population, including allegations of elder abuse, in both the civil and criminal contexts.
The New York State Judicial Committee on Elder Justice Chair, Supreme Court Justice, New York County, Civil Term
Hon. Deborah A. Kaplan
Counsel to the NYS Judicial Committee on Elder Justice
Joan Levenson, Esq.
Elder Justice
Everyone Plays a Part
- Treat older adults with dignity and respect
- Be aware of the signs of elder abuse
- Help older adults navigate the courthouse
- Let older adults go first, open doors, hold elevators, help locate courtrooms, bathrooms, and water
- Support the older adults' need for a nurse or aide, medicine, medical equipment, and assistive devices
- Older Adults - You’re here to be heard