Assist with brain storming for this assignment. I have posted my topic as well as the instructions for it.
Policy Analysis Topic
Ja’Mya Wilburn
Department of Social Work, University of Kentucky
SW 630, Intro Soc Welfare, Policy & Services
Dr. Roberts
September 21, 2025
1) I am interested in the topic of elder abuse and neglect
2) Elder abuse and neglect is a serious topic which is oftentimes a hidden social issue that may include but not limited to physical abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment of older adults. This can occur in homes, nursing facilities, and various community settings. This topic directly connects to social work practices due to social workers being on the front line of identifying or reporting elder abuse and promoting their safety and autonomy. This issue intersects with ageism, mental health, caregiver stress, and underfunding that goes towards services targeting the aging population.
3) a) Approximately 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 in the U.S. have experienced some form of elder abuse, but only 1 in 24 cases are reported to authorities ( National Council on Aging, 2021).
b) In 2020, Adult Protective Services ( APS) agencies received over 1.3 million reports of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in the U.S. ( Administration for Community Living 2022).
c) The global population aged 60 and older are expected to double by the year of 2050, placing growing pressure on elder care systems and abuse prevention efforts (World Health Organization, 2021).
4) The policy I will focus on is the Elder Justice Act (EJA), which was originally passed as a part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and is the first comprehensive federal legislation to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Sources:
Administration for Community Living. (2022).
Elder abuse prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
National Council on Aging. (2021).
Get the facts on elder abuse.
