WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR ENHANCEMENTS TO OLDER PERSONS ABUSE REGISTER

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Integrated Justice System (IJS) workshop has highlighted the need for improvements to the Older Persons Electronic Abuse Register (OPAR).
• Key recommendations include integrating OPAR with other government systems, increasing awareness and training for practitioners, and addressing operational challenges.
• These changes aim to strengthen protections for older persons, particularly in rural areas and for vulnerable groups such as those with dementia.

The Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Integrated Justice System (IJS) workshop at Sun Square Gardens Hotel in Cape Town has focused on critical recommendations to enhance the Older Persons Electronic Abuse Register (OPAR). The workshop has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive improvements to the system under the Older Persons Act, aiming to provide better protection and support for older individuals.

Ms. Naomi Maloba, the Social Work Policy Manager at the DSD, presented pivotal recommendations to refine OPAR’s capabilities. Maloba emphasised the necessity of integrating OPAR with other internal systems and key government departments, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) CAS system and the Docket System. This integration is crucial for improving case management and coordination, particularly in tracking all abuse cases reported through various channels to ensure more convictions. Additionally, Maloba called for mapping the referral system as part of business process maps, which would ensure comprehensive support through inter-departmental cooperation, especially in rural areas lacking non-profit organisations and DSD service points.

To increase the system’s effectiveness, Maloba recommended raising awareness and providing specialised training for practitioners. This training would focus on the unique needs of diverse groups, including LGBTQI individuals and those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. She also highlighted the importance of developing specific indicators for elder abuse data collection, especially concerning cases involving dementia, to be included in provincial reports as part of the National Framework on the Protection of Older Persons.

The recommendations address current challenges facing OPAR, developed in 2013 by the DSD in collaboration with IJS. The Older Persons Act mandates that the Minister of Social Development maintain a register of individuals convicted of abusing older persons or committing crimes under Section 30(4). This provision emphasises the legal importance of documenting such offenses, as abuse of an older person must be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.

Despite its critical role, OPAR faces several operational challenges. Maloba pointed out the lack of training and understanding among supervisors and managers, leading to inadequate buy-in and delays in case processing. “Many supervisors or managers have not been trained or do not fully understand the importance of the electronic abuse register. This lack of buy-in leads to cases getting stuck, which hampers timely intervention and assistance,” she explained.

The system’s effectiveness is further hindered by frequent changes in personnel, IT and connectivity issues, and budget constraints. These factors, coupled with a lack of necessary tools, complicate the system’s operation. “We face considerable challenges with IT infrastructure and budget constraints, which limit our ability to fully utilise the system. These issues, combined with a lack of tools of trade, make it difficult for us to operate efficiently,” Maloba noted.

Another significant concern is the low utilisation of OPAR, as many provinces continue to rely on paper-based reporting despite the availability of the electronic system. “Provinces still predominantly use paper-based reporting, which limits the potential of OPAR. We need to encourage a shift towards the electronic system to ensure more efficient and accurate reporting,” Maloba stated.

The workshop also identified a significant gap in the reintegration of older persons into the community after serving sentences. This process requires collaborative efforts with the Department of Correctional Services, as many older individuals were convicted while younger and often face rejection from their families upon release. Addressing this challenge is crucial for ensuring a supportive and successful reintegration process.

The recommendations presented at the workshop aim to address these challenges and maximise the benefits of OPAR. By tackling these issues and improving the system, the DSD seeks to enhance the protection and support of older persons in line with the legal requirements and ethical obligations outlined in the Older Persons Act. As the workshop reviews the Department’s systems and plans for the next five years, these recommendations will be incorporated into the strategy moving forward.