Legal Resources

Adult Protective Services: Adult Protective Services are mandated by Federal and State law to investigate and respond to all allegations of suspected elder and dependent adult abuse, which includes physical, financial, emotional, self neglect, and neglect by others. A dependent adult is any person age 18 to 64 who due to a mental or physical disability is dependent upon another person for their care. An elder is a person 65 years of age and older.

Community Care Licensing: The Department of Social Services work with the most vulnerable people of California and their mission is to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through the administration of an effective and collaborative regulatory enforcement system.  If you have a concern about an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Facility, Community Care Licensing can help.

Monterey County Ombudsman for Long Term Care:  A program of the Alliance on Aging, Ombudsmen are state certified individuals who resolve the problems of residents of nursing homes and residential care facilities for the elderly. They provide an avenue for conflict resolution that may be otherwise unavailable to elderly residents who are victims of neglect and abuse.

County of Monterey Elder Abuse Unit:  The Elder Abuse Unit of the Office of the District Attorney is dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of crimes against elderly and dependent adults.

Monterey County Bar Association: The Monterey County Bar Association promotes access to justice through their collaborative Lawyer Referral Service, providing referrals for legal assistance in multiple practice areas and including law school and legal service agency providers. If you are concerned about elder abuse, this site may help you find a certified Elder Law Attorney.

Legal Services for Seniors: Senior Citizens can be the most vulnerable segment of our population, often falling victim to unscrupulous business dealings, governmental mistakes as well as serious physical and financial abuse. Legal Services for Seniors, a non-profit 501(c)(3) law firm, helps Monterey County senior citizens with many legal matters.