PART X. ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES §346-221 Purpose; construction. The legislature recognizes that citizens of the State who are vulnerable to abuse constitute a significant and identifiable segment of the population and are particularly subject to risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The legislature recognizes that it is a person's vulnerability, not necessarily age, which is often encountered in cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. While advanced age alone is not sufficient reason to intervene in a person's life, the legislature finds that many elders have become subjects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Substantial public interest exists to ensure that this segment of the population receives protection. The legislature declares that the State shall develop and promote community services for the economic, social, and personal well-being and protection of its citizens who may be vulnerable to abuse. In taking this action, the legislature intends to protect vulnerable adults and place the fewest possible restrictions on personal liberty and to permit the exercise of constitutional rights by adults consistent with protection from abuse. [L 1989, c 381, pt of §1; am L 1990, c 67, §8, c 144, §1, and c 234, §9; am L 2008, c 154, §3]
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