Washoe swears in elder advocates

Washoe County officially swore in 19 volunteers as Special Advocates for Elders on Wednesday.

The SAFE program was developed as an offshoot of a similar program for children, Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASAs.

The volunteers will keep tabs on isolated seniors in the community and institutions around the Reno area as well as provide courts with information on allegations ranging from senior abuse to guardianships, level of care issues and living arrangements.

"As far as we know, this is the first program of its kind in the country," said Washoe District Judge Scott Jordan.