§ 501. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following words, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: (1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. (2) “Department” means the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services. (3) “EMS first responder” means a person providing emergency medical services. (4) “First responder” […]
§ 502. Establishment and purpose
(a) The Silver Alert System is established within the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. The Silver Alert System is used when appropriate to alert other public safety departments and private safety organizations when an adult with documented serious memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, is reported to the Virgin Islands Police […]
§ 503. Development and implementation
The Director, with the assistance of the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General and the Department of Human Services, shall develop and implement the Silver Alert System notification plan for the purpose of disseminating, as rapidly as possible, information about a missing person, so that the Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, public safety departments, […]
§ 504. Consultation and training
(a) In promulgating regulations to develop and implement the Silver Alert System, The VITEMA shall consult with the Virgin Islands Police Department, representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, the Department and any local chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Association. (b) All first responders, EMS first responders, 911 operators and other appropriate personnel, as […]
§ 469. Criminal abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult
(a) A person being a caregiver is guilty of felony criminal abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult person punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than three years, who and knowingly (1) performs an acts that causes an elder or dependent adults’ life to be […]
§ 470. Financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult; bad faith
(a) Financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult as set forth in section 452(m) of this chapter occurs when all of the following are present: (1) a person or entity; (2) takes, secretes, appropriates or retains property of an elder or dependent adult, or assists with the taking, secreting, appropriating or retention of property […]
§ 460. Designation of agency to investigate reports; inventory of service agencies to assist victims
(a) Investigations of reports of known or suspected instances of elder or dependent adult abuse are the responsibility of the Department of Human Services when the following are alleged: (i) emotional abuse; (ii) neglect; (iii) abandonment; (iv) isolation; (v) maltreatment; (vi) exploitation; (vii) deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services necessary to avoid […]
§ 461. Guidelines for determining whether investigation is warranted
(a) The Department of Human Services shall maintain minimum guidelines for use in determining when an investigation of abuse is warranted. (b) The Virgin Islands Police Department shall develop uniform guidelines for local law enforcement assistance with investigations of allegations of abuse to elders and dependent adults. Once developed, the guidelines must remain in effect […]
§ 462. Training programs
(a) The Department of Human Services shall offer training programs to local law enforcement and prosecutorial personnel in investigating crimes against elders and dependent adults. (b) The Department of Human Services shall offer training programs in evaluating and documenting instances of criminal abuse against elders and dependent adults to: (1) the Department of Health; (2) […]
§ 463. Provision of instructional materials regarding elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect
The Police Department and the Department of Human Services in conjunction with the Department of Health shall provide organizations with instructional materials regarding elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect and their obligation to report under this chapter. At a minimum, the instructional materials must include the following: (a) An explanation of elder or dependent […]