May is Adult Abuse Prevention and Foster Care Awareness Month
By: Crystal Hale, Director, Orange County Social Services
Orange County Department of Social Services (OCDSS) recognizes Adult Abuse Prevention Month during the month of May. Additionally, the Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed May to be Older Americans Month at their May 10, 2022, meeting. Adult Protective Services (APS) serves adults aged 60 and over, and incapacitated people ages 18 through 59, suffering from possible abuse or neglect. Abuse and neglect can include, but is not limited to, financial exploitation, physical abuse, physical neglect, mental abuse, and sexual abuse. Many older and incapacitated adults are victims of mistreatment by family members, caregivers, and others who are responsible for their wellbeing. Self - neglect is also a significant concern among this population. In fiscal year 2021 (July 2020 through June 2021), over 39,000 cases of abuse were reported in Virginia. Following investigation, half of those reports were found to be substantiated. Residents are advised to contact Orange County Social Services if they notice
someone who exhibits indicators of abuse. Local Adult Protective Services can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at (540) 672 - 1155. Concerns can also be reported to the Virginia Department of Social Services 24 - hour Adult Protective Services hotline at (888) 832 - 3858. Reporters can remain anonymous and shouldn't wait to know for sure if someone is experiencing abuse or neglect. If there are any indicators or suspicions of abuse or neglect, please make a report and allow a team of experts to follow - up with an investigation. Help save a life and stop abuse in Virginia, and Orange County, today! In addition to Adult Abuse Prevention, the Orange County Department of Social Services recognized Foster Care Awareness Month in May by hosting a Foster Parent Appreciation and Training event at the Orange County Airport. The event took place on a beautiful spring afternoon. Foster parents received a fun training on teamwork while the children learned about the thrill of flight and enjoyed a hands - on aviation experience. The event also included appreciation gifts, dinner, and dessert for all participants.
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