Episode 59 - Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Financial Abuse with Kathleen Cunningham
Your Estate MattersShow Notes
In this episode of Your Estate Matters, expert Kathleen Cunningham shares her extensive experience in elder law and estate matters. The discussion explores the complexities of elder abuse, undue influence, and financial exploitation, highlighting legal protections and practical steps for safeguarding vulnerable adults. Kathleen explains the roles of the Public Guardian and Trustee, designated agencies, and community response networks in British Columbia. Listeners gain valuable insights into recognizing red flags, understanding available resources, and the importance of community involvement in protecting families, assets, and legacies. This episode empowers Canadians to take informed action in estate planning and elder protection. -- Links for this episode:
STEP Canada Client Service Resource: A Guide for Assisting Persons in Vulnerable Situations https://online.fliphtml5.com/zskjb/zjwz/#p=1 (flipbook and downloadable; see Appendix 8 for annotated list of Resources. See Appendix 4 for resources on unconscious bias; See Appendix 7 for list of provincial and territorial PGTs.
Canadian Centre for Elder Law – Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada https://ccelderlaw.ca/ (En/Fr) & https://www.bcli.org/sectors/ccel/
BC Law Institute: Undue Influence Recognition and Prevention: A Guide for Legal Practitioners and Reference Aid https://www.bcli.org/project/undue-influence-recognition-prevention-guide-update-project/
BC Association of Community Response Networks https://bccrns.ca/ watch for monthly provincial learning events , education events; and World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC: https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/vulnerable-adults-experiencing-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect (scroll down to the Decision Tree link and link to BC government website Text at the bottom of the page: See Decision Tree: How to Assist an Adult who is Abused, Neglected or Self-neglecting (PDF, 424KB) to better understand which agencies to contact to make the most effective referrals for adults who may be vulnerable or incapable. For more information, see the Province's website on protecting elders from abuse and neglect, and the PGT's videos on how to assist an adult who is abused, neglected or self-neglected. See this page for list of designated agencies https://www.trustee.bc.ca/adults/protecting-vulnerable-adult-abuse-neglect-or-self-neglect
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse https://cnpea.ca/en/ - En/Fr; watch for World Elder Abuse Day (June 15) events
Nidus: https://nidus.ca/about-us/ Information and forms for Representation Agreements and more.
Follow Heritage Trust: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritagetrustbc/ Website - https://heritagetrustcompany.ca/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritagetrustco
Get the Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Canadians: https://www.estateclub.ca/estate-planning-checklist
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