Library: News Releases
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- In fiscal year 2003, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services Division investigated nearly 16,000 cases of adult abuse. That’s more than the populations of Pawhuska, Bristow, Dewey and Collinsville combined.
On March 5, OKDHS Adult Protective Services staff from Osage, Washington, Creek and Tulsa counties will join police officers, sheriff’s deputies, district attorneys and judges to do something extraordinary to help stem the rising tide of adult abuse ... talk.
During the “United As One” Conference, to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Double Tree Hotel, located at 616 W. 7th Street, Tulsa, Adult Protective Services, law enforcement and court officials will come together to build a dialogue and share resources, best practices and war stories from the front lines of adult abuse.
Conference participants will hear from OKDHS Director Howard H. Hendrick, OKDHS Assistant General Counsel John Fears and keynote speaker Paul Greenwood. Greenwood, a nationally recognized authority on adult abuse, serves as a Deputy District Attorney and heads the Elder Abuse Unit at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
Commenting on Oklahoma’s efforts to stop adult abuse, Greenwood said, “In regards to California’s Adult Protective Services, Oklahoma is doing a fabulous job. It would take a lot to get us together like this in California.”
“A similar conference has been held in southeastern Oklahoma for the past two years,” said Kathy King, OKDHS Area VI Adult Protective Services Liaison. “It has gone a long way to bring these different groups together by helping each understand the other’s role in protecting our elderly and disabled friends and neighbors. We hope to replicate that success in Osage, Creek, Tulsa and Washington counties.”
For information about the “United As One” Conference, contact Kathy King at (918) 592-0811. To report suspected abuse, contact the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511, or, go to www.OKDHS.org.
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