According to the University of Southern California Center for Elder Justice, every year an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. World Elder Abuse Day will be recognized globally on June 15, 2023. Locally, Lee Newcomb, LCSW-C, Adult Services Social Worker with the Talbot County Department of Social Services, will provide a brief lunchtime presentation on Elder Abuse Awareness/Prevention, followed by a brief question and answer session, on June 15 at 11:45 a.m. at the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place at 400 Brooketts Avenue in Easton, Maryland. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

According to the U.S. Center for Elder Justice, elder abuse is the mistreatment or harming of an older person – including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, along with neglect and financial exploitation. Many social factors—for example, a lack of support services and community resources—can make conditions ripe for elder abuse. According to Newcomb, financial exploitation and neglect are two of the most common forms of elder abuse. Financial exploitation includes theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of undue influence as a lever to gain control over an older person’s money or property. The U.S. Center for Elder Justice reports that older people throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation.

“Banks and caregiver agencies are the biggest reporters of financial abuse and exploitation,” Newcomb states.

She adds, “As far as neglect, some people don’t know they are facilitating abuse – like neglect. Neglect is the failure or refusal to provide for an older person’s safety and physical, or emotional needs. Because seniors often live alone, this neglect can go unreported until someone reports it.”

Common risk factors for elder abuse are often found in seniors who have dementia, mental health or substance abuse issues, are experiencing social isolation, or are in poor physical health. Emotional and behavioral signs of elder abuse can include unusual changes in behavior or sleep, fear or anxiety, being isolated or not responsive, and depression. Physical signs include broken bones, bruises, and welts; cuts, sores, or burns; untreated bed sores; torn, stained or bloody underclothing; unexplained sexually transmitted diseases; dirtiness, poor nutrition or dehydration; poor living conditions; or lack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications).  Signs of financial exploitation include unusual changes in bank accounts or money management, unusual or sudden changes in a will or other financial documents, fraudulent signatures on financial documents, and unpaid bills.

According to Newcomb, most elder abuse happens at home and nine out of 10 abusers are relatives. She adds, “Because many cases of elder abuse go unreported, we as citizens are encouraged to be on the lookout for warning signs of maltreatment and to report suspected abuse as soon as possible.”

Programs such as Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are here to help. For reporting numbers, contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (www.eldercare.acl.gov).

If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation or immediate danger, call 911 or the local police or sheriff.

Additional ways citizens can help include helping to prevent isolation by calling or visiting older loved ones and asking how they are doing regularly or signing up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities. Family members, friends, and caregivers can also reach out to Adult Services at the Talbot County Department of Social Services for tools to help care for the elderly in their care. Other resources in Talbot County include the Talbot County Senior Centers at Brookletts Place in Easton at the St. Michaels YMCA, Upper Shore Aging, Talbot County Health Department’s Senior Care Program, the Maryland Department of Aging, and the Maryland Department of Human Services.

For further resources on elder abuse, contact Lee Newcomb at the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-8741.

Talbot County Department of Social Services treated nine foster and adoptive families to a holiday celebration at the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place in Easton. In addition to enjoying a holiday meal prepared by the Chesapeake Culinary Center, children received gifts, played games, participated in music and dancing, and had the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.

“We have always believed that it is important to help our foster and adoptive families make the holidays bright for children in their care. We are so grateful to our foster and adoptive parents for what they do every day of the year, but especially this time of year when they give selflessly of themselves to make the holidays special for their children,” comments Linda Webb, Director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

Talbot County continues to need more foster and adoptive parents to help meet the needs of children of all ages, most recently including infants and school-aged children. The agency also gets requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are soon aging out of foster care and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Talbot County Department of Social Services treated nine foster and adoptive families to a holiday celebration at the Talbot County Senior Center at Brookletts Place in Easton on Saturday, December 3. In addition to enjoying a holiday meal prepared by the Chesapeake Culinary Center, children received gifts, played games, participated in music and dancing, and had the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.

“We have always believed that it is important to help our foster and adoptive families make the holidays bright for children in their care. We are so grateful to our foster and adoptive parents for what they do every day of the year, but especially this time of year when they give selflessly of themselves to make the holidays special for their children,” comments Linda Webb, Director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services.

Talbot County continues to need more foster and adoptive parents to help meet the needs of children of all ages, most recently including infants and school-aged children. The agency also gets requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are soon aging out of foster care and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Last year, over 114,000 children and youth were waiting to be adopted and at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections across the United States. This year, in recognition of National Adoption Month, the Talbot County Department of Social Services hosted a “Thanks for Giving” event in Easton in appreciation of the foster and adoptive parents in Talbot County who have stepped up and taken a role in the lives of youth who need permanent family connections.

According to the Children’s Bureau (childwelfare.gov), older children are at greater risk for aging out of foster care without permanent family connections. More than one in five children waiting to be adopted are teens. National Adoption Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau that seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement.

Twelve area families participated in the “Thanks for Giving” event which included a fall family craft, outdoor games, and cupcakes and cider. Each family also took home a Thanksgiving meal.

“Our foster and adoptive parents are amazing. They step up in so many ways when we need them and this was one of the ways of saying thank you for their dedication and service,” comments Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator, TCDSS.

“We continue to need more foster and adoptive parents to help meet the needs of children of all ages, most recently including infants and school-aged children. We also get requests from time to time for sibling groups and older teens who are aging out of foster care soon and need guidance in transitioning into adulthood. Our goal is to find the right family for each situation.”

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Talbot Department of Social Services recently provided a presentation on autism for foster parents across the Mid-Shore as part of its ongoing educational training. Sean Logie, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Talbot Child Psychology, LLC, shared experiences of children diagnosed with autism and explained important considerations of children with autism, including comorbid disorders, social communication, sensory processing, sleep, and school. He also presented success stories and how important autism evaluations and applied behavioral analysis are to caring for children with autism.

“A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder tells you very little about a child. Children with this diagnosis vary widely in the gifts that they have and the challenges they face. It’s important for parents to know that there are many services and resources available to help with most challenges. This includes medical and mental health services, sleep, feeding, sensory integration, and navigating school,” Dr. Logie commented.

“It’s important for parents involved in a child’s life to be their strongest advocate. If you are facing a challenge that you think is unique, chances are that it’s not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, rally for support, and challenge any system that is not able to provide what your child needs.”

Christine Montague, Coordinator, Option Respite & Parent Education for the Talbot County Department of Social Services, who organizes these foster parent training, states, “Programs like this one are so valuable to our foster parents, especially now as they have to meet a variety of needs in the children whom they foster. This program was enlightening to many of our parents and provided a great addition to their skill sets.”

For further information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 or visit midshoreresourceparents.com.

Do you or someone you know need assistance with your water and/or wastewater bill? Talbot County Department of Social Services is offering the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) for qualifying Talbot County households who need financial relief toward water and/or wastewater bills. Eligible households may qualify to receive a one-time assistance payment of up to $2,000.

“With inflation rising, many residents’ water and wastewater bills have increased creating a financial hardship., says Linda Webb, Director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services.  “This new program helps individuals who are in arrearages get caught up. The process is fairly simple and Talbot County Department of Social Services staff is available to assist residents interested in applying,” comments Juana Blue, Assistant Director of Family Investment, Talbot County Department of Social Services.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• • The applicant (or a member of the household) must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
  • The applicant must be a Maryland resident who is responsible for a water and/or wastewater bill issued by a public water system or treatment works and must live at the property for which assistance is being provided.
  • The applicant must submit a current water and/or wastewater bill showing accrued arrearages of at least $100.
  • The total household income (previous 30 days) may not exceed the gross income threshold which is 60% of the State Median Income.
  • An applicant may be categorically eligible if they (or someone in their household) are receiving one of the following benefits at the time of application: ◦ Low Income Household Energy Assistance (MEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP), and/or Means Tested Veterans Benefits.

Funding from LIHWAP is limited and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For an applicant to receive LIHWAP assistance, the water/wastewater supplier has to agree to accept payment from the Department of Human Services on behalf of the customer.

Applicants can apply for LIHWAP assistance safely and conveniently online using our consumer portal at mymdthink.maryland.gov. For further information, Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-770-4848.

Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) recently announced that Meaghan Davis of Easton has been named the 2022 Foster Parent of the Year. May is National Foster Care Month. Davis, who has been a foster parent for the past five years, has helped care for some of the county’s most vulnerable children in foster care while caring for her own biological child.

Paris Quillet, Special Projects Coordinator for TCDSS comments, “She is filling the needs that few people will do. She has stepped up to the plate in some of the most challenging circumstances and at a moment’s notice. When we needed immediate foster care for a substance-exposed newborn, she agreed to learn the care required and jumped right in. She has also helped with the placements of children in the LGBTQ community.”

Davis says she has always wanted to care for children. She states, “Since I was young, I always said that I wanted a big family and to have a few children, but not all of them would be mine. I never knew fully what that meant until I got older. When I was 18, I saw something in the newspaper about becoming a foster parent through a private agency. Although they informed me I was a great candidate, they told me to touch base with them when I was a little older.”

“As a child, I always wanted to help other children in need. This is the only thing that has made sense that I’m supposed to do in life.”

Meaghan has spent many years helping people in the community on her own. About five years ago, after her own daughter had gotten older, Meaghan felt like she still had more to give so she decided to revisit the idea of being licensed as a foster parent. Her first placement was a nine-year-old boy who she fostered for two and half years. Her most recent placement was a newborn.

“If I’m able to be a support for another person, I’m going to do that,” she recalls.

Her compassion runs deep for not only the children, but also for the parents of the children she cares for. “Sometimes, people need you to be a support to them or mentor them, providing things that they didn’t even realize they needed. I have compassion and empathy for people in these situations,” she adds.

Meaghan views her role as a foster parent as “holding down the fort for the parents” until they can care for their children again. She tries to provide for the child’s needs in the interim.

Taking on a newborn was difficult. Meaghan remembers during the first few months of caring for her most recent newborn that she would only sleep two to four hours a day.

“Substance-exposed newborns often cry and have tremors. The muscles in their mouths aren’t always developed enough, so they can have a tough time feeding making feedings extremely long. In this case, I cared for a newborn while still going to work part-time as a caregiver,” she recalls.

Over time, the baby under Meaghan’s care has thrived. She approaches every placement with compassion, often meeting with a child’s parent a couple of times a week to provide for visits, helping document a child’s milestones for the parents, or helping connect parents to resources they may need. One mother even asked Meaghan to be her child’s godmother.

Meaghan’s own daughter is graduating from high school this spring but will be staying local for college. She enjoys helping her mother with the children for whom she is providing care.

When Meaghan was asked about what it takes to be a foster parent, she comments, “It’s definitely not for everybody. In my experience, you need to be flexible. Having compassion and empathy not only helps the children in care but creates support for the family unit, which is an important part of foster parenting.”

Meaghan also provides respite care and supervised visits for Talbot County between biological families and their children, even when these children are not placed in her home.

She adds, “There will always be children that need placement or respite for whom there are no other options. I feel called to be that option for them.”

“Meaghan makes children feel special and welcome and works with their families. Her work with the biological family of the newborn has exceeded all expectations of the department and the family. She assisted with daily visits, regular virtual contact, reunification, ongoing respite, and several bonding strategies. TCDSS recognizes how difficult this work is, the level of selflessness required, and the loss that the family endures. We honor Meaghan for all her work in 2021 and 2022,” states Quillet.

A little more than half of the children in foster care on the Mid-Shore are under the age of 14 and many are sibling groups. Talbot County needs foster parents for long-term placement to provide temporary, safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children to live in until they can be reunited with their own families, placed with relatives, or adopted. Call the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 410-820-7371 for information about becoming a foster parent.

Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) recently participated in the 2022 Multicultural Festival at Easton Middle School. The agency provided activities for children of all ages.

Created by Talbot County P.E.A.C.E. and debuting in 2000, the Multicultural Festival is a celebration of the rich diversity within the Talbot County community, including the distinct heritages dating back several generations, and members of the numerous ethnic groups who have come to call this area their home.  As the community has grown, so has the Multicultural Festival, and in 2009 Talbot County P.E.A.C.E partnered with the Avalon Foundation to accommodate the Festival’s growing popularity.

Talbot County Department of Social Services has achieved national re-accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Accredited since 2003, Talbot County Department of Social Services provides Child Welfare, Adult Services, Economic Support, and Child Support services. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of Talbot County Department of Social Services’ programs, services, management, and administration. Re-accreditation takes place every four years.

COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

To achieve COA re-accreditation, Talbot County Department of Social Services first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards.  Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients.

Based on their findings, COA’s volunteer-based Accreditation Commission voted that Talbot County Department of Social Services had successfully met the criteria for accreditation again.

“We are thrilled to have achieved re-accreditation by the COA. It’s a testimony to our dedicated staff who continue to implement best practices in the services we deliver every day,” states Linda Webb, Director, Talbot County Department of Social Services.

An endorsement of COA and the value of its accreditation process is reflected in it being named by the US State Department as the sole national independent accrediting body under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption to accredit intercountry adoption service providers. In addition, COA is the only national accreditor designated by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop accreditation standards and processes for human service programs provided to military personnel and their families.

Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has a total of 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.coanet.org. To learn more about Talbot County Department of Social Services, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/local-offices/talbot-county/.