Legal Framework for North Carolina’s Elder Protection System

Many different organizations and professionals across North Carolina are involved with protecting older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Three governmental components—county social services agencies, clerks of superior court, and law enforcement agencies—are key players in this effort. But many others play important roles, including health care providers, private and court-appointed attorneys, financial institutions, and state and federal agencies. While all of these components share the same objective, each has different responsibilities and levels of authority.

This manual provides an overview of the bodies of law that serve as the foundation for North Carolina’s somewhat fragmented elder protection system. The manual, along with the other resources soon to be available at protectadults.sog.unc.edu, is designed to support connectivity and understanding among those involved with protecting older adults across the state.