Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Court Process with Judge Michelle Tong | SF Superior Court скачать в хорошем качестве

Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Court Process with Judge Michelle Tong | SF Superior Court

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, join us for this essential masterclass with the Honorable Michelle Tong, Judge of the San Francisco Superior Court. Approximately 1 in 6 older adults experience abuse, most often by someone they trust—family members or caregivers. Elder abuse threatens health, safety, dignity, and independence. This webinar explores how our legal system responds and what innovations are making courts more accessible for vulnerable adults. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: THE JUDICIAL PROCESS FOR ELDER ABUSE How abuse cases enter the court system—through criminal actions, civil lawsuits, restraining orders, or conservatorship proceedings The role of Adult Protective Services (APS) in investigating and coordinating with courts Timeline and procedures for obtaining protective orders How courts work with community agencies to provide ongoing support TYPES OF CASES IN SF SUPERIOR COURT Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders—protecting those 65+ from physical, emotional, or financial abuse Criminal cases under California Penal Code 368 Civil harassment and domestic violence restraining orders Probate conservatorship-related abuse cases Unlawful detainer (eviction) cases involving elder exploitation Civil lawsuits against facilities and individuals for personal injury, fraud, or financial exploitation JUDICIAL ACCOMMODATIONS & INNOVATIONS ADA accommodations including assistive listening devices, interpreters, and wheelchair access Self-Help ACCESS Center support for completing forms and understanding procedures Specialized scheduling and support for cognitive and physical limitations Multilingual services and culturally competent resources Support persons and clear instructions for vulnerable witnesses TECHNOLOGY IN THE COURTROOM Electronic filing (eFiling) through File & ServeXpress for civil, family, and probate cases Remote hearings via Zoom—making participation safer and more convenient for those with mobility or health challenges Digital evidence submission and audio/video testimony systems (JAVS) Self-help technology including chatbots, live chat, and help lines CRITICAL RESOURCES: No filing fees for elder abuse restraining orders Free service of restraining orders through the Sheriff's Department Temporary restraining orders processed same-day if submitted by 10 a.m. Permanent order hearings scheduled within 21-28 days Remedies including compensatory damages, asset freezing, restitution, and protective orders ABOUT JUDGE MICHELLE TONG: Judge Tong was elected to the San Francisco Superior Court in March 2020. She currently handles civil harassment cases, default judgments, and traffic trials, and previously presided over Unified Family Court matters including child custody, domestic violence, and property division. Before her judicial career, Judge Tong served with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, trying over 50 jury trials. She also assisted self-represented tenants facing eviction at the Eviction Defense Collaborative. Judge Tong was born in Toronto, Canada to immigrants from Hong Kong. She received her bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz (1996) and law degree from UOP - McGeorge School of Law (2001). ABOUT API LEGAL OUTREACH: Founded in 1975, API Legal Outreach provides culturally competent and linguistically appropriate legal representation, social services, and advocacy for marginalized communities including low-income women, seniors, recent immigrants, and youth. The Elder and Disability Rights Project offers comprehensive legal services focusing on securing public benefits, preventing abuse, and supporting survivors. The Elder Abuse Task Force convenes monthly forums uniting government officials, community members, and legal professionals to address challenges facing elderly and disabled individuals in the API community. WHO SHOULD WATCH: Legal professionals and attorneys Social workers and case managers Healthcare providers and medical professionals Family caregivers and community advocates Older adults seeking to understand their rights Anyone working with vulnerable populations RESOURCES & SUPPORT: SF Superior Court ACCESS Center: sfsuperiorcourt.org/divisions/civil/access-center Elder Abuse Reporting: 1-833-401-0832 API Legal Outreach: apilegaloutreach.org Recorded June 17, 2025 #ElderAbuse #ElderJustice #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay #SanFrancisco #SFSuperiorCourt #LegalAdvocacy #SeniorRights #APILegalOutreach #ElderLaw #ProtectiveServices #RestrainingOrders #CourtAccess #ElderCare #SocialWork #LegalAid