AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE VULNERABLE ADULT POPULATIONS COMMISSION.

This Act is a result of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee’s (“JLOSC”) review of Adult Protective Services. This Act creates the Vulnerable Adult Populations Commission (“Commission”), whose purpose is to improve the response to and reduce the incidents of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation in this State. The Commission will be comprised of several members from key state agencies, legislators, and the private sector. The Commission’s duties include: (1) Studying Delaware court services and procedures, law enforcement procedures and protocols, and criminal justice data collection and analysis, as they relate to vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (2) Effectuate coordination among Delaware agencies, departments, and courts to benefit victims of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (3) Promote effective prevention, intervention, and service provision based on research and data. (4) Recommend standards to state agencies and departments regarding programs and services that serve perpetrators or victims of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (5) Review and provide feedback on legislation relating to vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (6) Submit an annual, written report to the Governor, General Assembly, Delaware Supreme Court, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Research.