CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES

WHAT IS TRIAD?

The Fresno County TRIAD consists of community partnerships which include:

• Law Enforcement
• Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging
• Seniors and Senior Service Providers

Their primary goals are to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to this population.

TRIAD provides the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement and senior citizens. It focuses on reducing unwarranted fear of crime and improving the quality of life for seniors.

The Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Elder Rights Committee has taken a lead in the formation of a TRIAD by contacting and inviting representives of Law Enforcement, Social Service Agencies, Senior Centers, as well as churches, business and civic organizations to become active in the formation of S.A.L.T. Councils for the Fresno County TRIAD. These individuals continue to pool their resources by working together to inform and advocate on behalf of the elders of our community.

WHAT DO TRIADS DO?

1. EMPOWER - Seniors provide the leadership on the S.A.L.T. Council and in determining its direction.
2. EDUCATE - information on criminal activity and prevention, elder abuse and social service resources.
3. COMMUNICATE - materials is distributed through workshops, newsletters, and other media.
4. REACH OUT - visitation is provided to increase security and reassurance to isolated seniors.
5. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS - with community and civic organizations to offer better assessments/services.
6. ADVOCATE - seniors interact with government leaders to have impact regarding legislative decisions.

WHAT ARE SALT COUNCILS?

S.A.L.T.: Seniors and Law Enforcement Together

TRIAD on the community level is emplemented by a S.A.L.T. Council composed of community members. It is the S.A.L.T. Council's responsibility in its community to determine the needs of its community's senior population, and to coordinate activities to meet those needs. Such activities include, but are not limited to:

• How to prevent criminal victimization and Elder Abuse
• Knowledge of currents frauds and scams
• Coping with telephone and door-to-door solicitations.
• Training for deputies and officers in commicating with and assisting older persons
• Telephone reassurance programs for older citizens
• Adopt-a-senior visits for shut-ins
• Educating seniors on supportive services

WHAT CAN RESULT?

• Increased cooperation among law enforcement, seniors and service providers.
• Enhanced quality of life for seniors characterized by a reduction in fear, increased confidence and a better understanding of community services.
• TRIADS create a win-win situation for the entire community.

"The three-way involvement of the police departments(s), sheriff's office, and the community as representd by older leaders and those who work with seniors is powerful. Working together on TRIAD can lead to future joint endeavors of equal importance and benefits." ~National Institute of Justice