State Council Advances Efforts to Prevent Elder and Disability Abuse

Our team attended the 2025 California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) Conference in November, where more than 450 leaders from across California came together to share innovative solutions and collaborative approaches to aging and disability services.

First introduced in our November newsletter, this ongoing series continues to spotlight stories from breakout sessions, award presentations, and programs shaping the future of care for older adults and people with disabilities.

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As California’s population ages, the State is working to strengthen efforts to prevent and address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through increased coordination and stakeholder engagement.

As part of its Master Plan for Aging (MPA), the State established the Elder and Disability Justice Coordinating Council (EDJCC)  to develop recommendations and improve collaboration across agencies and organizations.

The Council’s structure, work, and opportunities for public engagement were discussed during a panel at the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) conference.

“We are doing great things, but we also have areas where we need to improve,” said Vivianne Mbaku, a Council member and Director of Equity in Elder Justice at Justice in Aging. “We need to find out the ways that we’re falling short and find ways to improve the ways that we’re serving older Californians.”

Unlike the Federal Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), a similar federal council, which is composed only of agency representatives, California’s Council includes leaders from government, advocacy, and community organizations.

“Stakeholders bring valuable insight from the field,” Mbaku said. “They help inform decisions at the state level.”

Members are appointed by the Director of the California Department of Aging (CDA), who co-chairs the Council with a representative from Bet Tzedek Legal Services.

The Council holds three public meetings each year via Zoom. Meetings include program updates, educational presentations, and opportunities for public comment.

“These meetings are open to the public,” said Bertha S. Hayden, co-chair of the Council. “We want to hear what is working and what needs improvement.”

The Council also operates subcommittees focused on legal services, conservatorship, and adult abuse response. Current work includes reviewing cross-agency reporting processes to improve coordination and accountability.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 1.