As the population in South Florida continues to age, protecting our seniors has become more important than ever.
In Broward County, the Broward State Attorney’s Office is leading the charge with an innovative initiative known as the Broward Senior Intervention and Education Program.
This program is designed not only to shield older adults from scams and abuse but also to educate the public and empower seniors to protect themselves.
What is the Broward Senior Intervention and Education Program?
Launched by the Broward State Attorney’s Office, this program focuses on preventing crimes against the elderly—especially those involving financial exploitation, neglect, and physical abuse.
The initiative brings together prosecutors, social workers, law enforcement, and community advocates to identify and assist at-risk seniors throughout the county.
The goal is clear: intervene early and educate widely.
Through a combination of outreach, legal support, and educational seminars, the program serves as both a watchdog and a lifeline for Broward’s older residents.
Why Seniors Are Often Targeted
Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted by scammers and abusers due to perceived vulnerabilities such as:
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Cognitive decline or memory issues
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Isolation from family or community
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Lack of familiarity with digital technology
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Accumulated savings or steady income (like pensions or Social Security)
These risk factors make it essential to have community-based intervention and education programs like the one led by the Broward State Attorney.
How the Program Works
The Broward Senior Intervention and Education Program operates through several key initiatives:
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Case Reviews & Referrals: When law enforcement identifies a case involving a senior, the program team steps in to evaluate the situation and connect the victim with resources such as counseling, legal assistance, or emergency housing.
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Community Education Events: Regular workshops and presentations are held in partnership with senior centers, housing communities, and nonprofits to teach seniors how to recognize red flags and avoid scams.
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Support Services: Victims of elder abuse can access tailored support services to ensure they receive the justice and care they deserve.
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Collaboration with Law Enforcement: By working closely with police departments and Adult Protective Services, the program ensures swift action when abuse or fraud is suspected.
Real-Life Impact
The impact of this program is already being felt in communities across Broward.
Seniors who may have otherwise suffered in silence are now receiving help—and in many cases, offenders are being held accountable thanks to the swift action of the Broward State Attorney’s Office and its partners.
One case involved an elderly woman targeted by a family member for financial exploitation.
Thanks to the intervention program, authorities were able to uncover the abuse, provide legal protection, and connect her with community support services.
Her story is just one of many that show the program’s effectiveness.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or simply someone who cares, here’s how you can support this important work:
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Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Broward State Attorney’s Office and attend local educational events.
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Report Suspicious Behavior: If you suspect elder abuse or fraud, don’t hesitate to contact authorities or Adult Protective Services.
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Share Resources: Spread the word about the Broward Senior Intervention and Education Program with your community or place of worship.
Conclusion
The Broward State Attorney – Broward Senior Intervention and Education Program is a powerful example of proactive leadership and compassionate care for one of our most vulnerable populations.
It reminds us all that protecting seniors is not just a legal duty—it’s a moral one.
As Broward County continues to grow, programs like this ensure that seniors can age with dignity, safety, and peace of mind.