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Legal Aid of North Carolina plays a significant role in protecting adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Here are some ways in which Legal Aid can help in this regard: Legal RepresentationLegal Aid provides free legal representation to adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They can help victims understand their legal rights, assist in navigating the legal system, and advocate for their interests in court proceedings.Obtaining Protective OrdersLegal Aid attorneys can assist victims in obtaining protective orders, such as domestic violence protective orders or civil no-contact orders, to help ensure their safety and protect them from further harm.Addressing Financial ExploitationLegal Aid can help victims of financial exploitation by providing legal advice and representation. They can assist in recovering assets, reporting fraudulent activities, and advocating for the victim's financial rights.Guardianship Legal Aid attorneys can assist individuals who are subject to guardianship when the guardian is abusing or exploiting the ward (the person who has a guardian). They can provide legal support, assist with the necessary paperwork, and represent the interests of the individual in guardianship proceedings.Public Benefits and Access to Services Legal Aid helps adults access public benefits and services they may be entitled to, ensuring they receive the support they need. If someone has been wrongfully denied benefits, they can assist with appeals and represent individuals in disputes related to benefit programs.Education and Outreach Legal Aid conducts community education and outreach programs to raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They provide information on recognizing signs of abuse, prevention strategies, and legal rights. By educating the community, Legal Aid helps individuals and organizations become better equipped to identify and address these issues.Collaboration and Referrals Legal Aid works in collaboration with other agencies and organizations, such as social services, law enforcement, and healthcare providers, to identify and address cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. They provide referrals to appropriate resources as needed.It’s important to note that Legal Aid services may vary based on the specific resources and programs available in different locations. Individuals seeking assistance should contact one of Legal Aid’s Helplines to inquire about the specific services they offer to protect adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to apply for services. Seniors (aged 60+) can call their Senior Legal Helpline at 1-877-579-7562, and people of any age can call their main Helpline at 1-866-219-5262. Please be aware that Legal Aid has many more people applying for services than they have the resources to serve, so not everyone who contacts Legal Aid will be provided legal representation. To inquire about having a Legal Aid attorney or other staff member join a multidisciplinary team in your area, please reach out to Meredith Gregory, Managing Attorney of Legal Aid’s Senior Law Project, at MeredithG@legalaidnc.org. To learn more about Legal Aid, please visit www.legalaidnc.org.