COVID-19 Relief Funds Being Considered To Treat Senior Exploitation

The Montana Office of Consumer Protection and Victim Services within the Montana Department of Justice has recommended Montana direct $645,000 of federal COVID-19 recovery funds to increase efforts to fight exploitation of senior citizens by adding three elder councils to the state and hiring more staff to focus on crimes that hurt the elderly community. The Montana Health Advisory Commission has approved the recommendation to seek the money which would fund the program for two years from the American Rescue Plan Act and a request will be filed with the Administration for Community Living.