LOS ANGELES, Nov. 3, 2009
Calif. Budget Cuts Concealing Elder Abuse?
Watchdog Worries Elder Abuse Underreported Because of Budget Cuts to Ombudsman Programs
-
(iStockphoto)
-
State Fast Facts California Learn about the people, economy and geography.
The California Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes says the number of complaints from ombudsmen are down more than 40 percent since budget cuts were enacted last year.
The report's authors fear the decline in reports means abuse is going unreported in the state's elder care facilities.
Last October, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cut all state funding for the ombudsman program, dropping the budget to $4 million in federal funds for fiscal year 2009, down from $7.9 million the previous year.
In many parts of the state, budget cuts have resulted in staffing cuts, and fewer facilities are being checked for problems.
© MMIX The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBSNews.com On Digg
Gen. Ray Odierno, head of multinational forces in Iraq, on progress there and plans for Afghanistan.
