Substitute RESOLUTION to Promote Collaboration to Address Vulnerable Adult Populations' Abuse
The Arc of Aurora, CO
Whereas adults with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities are statistically more likely to be
victimized; and
Whereas vulnerable adult populations consist of ALL adults with disabilities AND/OR people aged 60-years or
older who experience similar risks of being abused because they share comparable lifestyles to people with
intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that include reliance on others for supports; and
Whereas the systemic impact of The Arc’s position statements would be further strengthened through outreach
and collaboration with other vulnerable adult population; and
Whereas the opportunity to discuss, address and coordinate activities relating to, and to comprehensively prevent
and treat abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adult populations proposes to improve the futures and
well-being of millions in the United States; and
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the problems of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adult
populations requires a comprehensive, collaborative effort of national organizations and other leaders that
includes Adult Protective Services and health, mental health, criminal justice, legal, advocacy and social service
agencies and organizations;
Further, be it resolved that through the adoption of this resolution The Arc shall work to assure that intellectual
and/or other developmental disability populations are represented in any, as appropriate, collaborative of
organizations and other leaders who promote:
- Self determination that advances the role of self advocacy by vulnerable adult populations in decisions about
abuse and neglect policy that impacts their lives
- Leadership to address the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the Nation's vulnerable adult populations
- Federal legislation that provides resources for prevention, reporting, investigation, assessment, treatment, and
prosecution efforts of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adult populations throughout all levels of
government;
- Resources to States and communities to provide for and improve protective services and to promote justice for
vulnerable adult populations;
- Standardization to increase the professionalization and effectiveness of Adult Protective Services in the United
States;
- Coordinated planning and development of standards of care for victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation in all
levels of government through partnering with Adult Protective Services, health, mental health, criminal justice,
legal, advocacy, and social service agencies and organizations that work to eliminate, mitigate, or respond to
situations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adult populations; and
- Sharing knowledge relevant to protecting vulnerable adult populations through comprehensive improvements to
the nation's Adult Protective Service systems.
Adopted:
Congress of Delegates, The Arc of the United States
November 14, 2009