MISSISSIPPI

Program

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INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION

Young Lawyers Advise & Refer Elders

To address elders' needs for legal advice, especially about governmental benefit programs, the SUA has coordinated with the state bar association to implement a legal information and referral system. The program will operate initially as a demonstration project within one AAA, with members of the Young Lawyers Section of the state bar conducting referrals through a telephone unit at the state university law center. Elders will be advised by trained law students or referred to participating attorneys for casework. Research compiled during the demonstration project will help determine the expansion of the referral service to a statewide program.

SUA and local AAA cooperated with state bar association to outline and fund demonstration project; Young Lawyers Section of the state bar will provide legal information and referral services; members of the bar will handle cases.

AAA for duration of demonstration project.

33,000 elders over age 60 per year, focusing on minority, frail, physically and mentally impaired elders.

In planning state since 3/78; to become operational 4/79; terminates 9/30/79 unless refunded.

Title III-OAA, $10,000.

Norman Harris, Executive Director

Mississippi Council on Aging

P.O. Box 5136

Jackson, Mississippi 39216 (601) 354-6590 (SUA)

Jane Mapp, Director Aging Division, or

Lynda Eifling, Program Coordinator

Trace Regional Area Agency on Aging

P.O. Box 7

Belden, Mississippi 38826 (601) 844-4081 (AAA)

6/6/79.

MARYLAND
Legislation

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PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Aging Network Provides Guardianship of the Person

A law establishing an adult protective service program and a public
guardianship program specifically enables the directors of the SUA
and AAAs to be appointed guardian for disabled elders who have no
personal contact to fill the role. This legislation provides for public
guardianship services by the agency to assist in making decisions
regarding the personal care and shelter needs of mentally disabled eld-
ers. Public guardianship intervention by units on aging provides
further protection for disabled elders than is permitted for disabled
adults in general under the adult protective services program.
State department of human resources initiated the concept and in
cooperation with the SUA developed inter-agency guidelines; SUA
supported legislation and amendment regarding SUA and AAAs as
potential guardians; state department of health and mental hygiene
performed advisory and coordinating functions.

Statewide.

Mentally impaired elders over 65 and mentally impaired adults in general. 75 persons per year.

Legislation implemented 7/77.

State general services appropriations, $24,000 for FY1979 and $11,000
for FY1980.

Adult Protective Services/Public Guardianship sections of state code;
Inter-Agency agreement to implement legislation; SUA guidelines;
SUA bibliography.

Valerie Zimkus

Maryland Office on Aging

301 W. Preston Street, Room 1004

Baltimore, Maryland 21201 (301) 383-5064 (SUA)

Carole Bickford, Program Specialist

Social Services Administration of

Department of Human Resources

1 South Avenue

Baltimore, Maryland 21201 (301) 383-6106 (0)

3/79.

CONNECTICUT

Policy

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INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

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Recommendations Made for Improving Role of Local
Municipal Agents

A state statute in effect since 1972 requires the ap-
pointment (in each of the 169 sovereign municipal-
ities) of a municipal agent (MA) for elders who dissemi-
nates information regarding available benefits and
services, application procedures, etc. Originally, the
MA was town employee or volunteer. Presently, however,
various implementation patterns exist, with no state
agency having oversight responsibility. A new statute
is to be introduced based upon the recommendations of a
study committee established by the SUA to re-define and
clarify the MA role. Conclusions reached: 1) that the
MAs are needed to coordinate with, and supplement the
Statewide (telephone) Information Line in a more personal
way, especially in cases not amenable to solutions via
telephone contact; 2) that towns should continue to
provide resources to support MAS; 3) that the SUA be
responsible for providing training for the MAS; 4) that
a consultative and working relationship be established
between the Statewide Information Line and the MAS;
5) that the MAs are producing valuable data of potential
use to the SUAS and AAAs in their planning and needs
assessment responsibilities.

Those in strong support of new statute: SUA, AAAS, Legislative Coalition on Aging, and the study committee which developed the legislative recommendations.

Policy would affect MAS statewide.

Elders in areas served and MAS.

Statute to be introduced 4/20/77; expect passage 6/77. Envision using graduate students in social welfare to help carry out the new mandates.

At present, continue local town support. Future funding plans could include Title XX or Title IV-A of the Older Americans Act.

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Max Doverman, Executive Assistant
Connecticut Department on Aging
90 Washington Street, Room 312
Hartford, Connecticut 06115
1/79.

(203) 566-2480 (SUA)