Confidentiality and Data Stewardship

Elder justice depends on trust. Older adults and families reaching out about abuse are often taking a frightening step — sometimes about someone they love. EASI's commitment is to help people find the right door without turning private situations into public data.

What EASI holds today

EASI is honest about its current stage: we do not currently maintain case files or client records. Service inquiries are connected to appropriate agencies such as Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and coalition partners. As EASI's direct services develop, this page will grow to describe exactly what is held and how it is protected — before those services launch, not after.

Public pathways are not public case files

Forms and pathways on this website help people reach the right next step. They are not a record of anyone's situation and not a substitute for a private, authorized service process.

Minimal necessary information

We ask only for what is needed to understand a request and respond. Please share only what is necessary — detailed abuse, medical, financial, or legal information does not belong in a public form.

Consent and levels of engagement

Participation in EASI programs is built on opt-in consent. Beyond the minimum needed to serve you, each additional piece of information you share is your choice, and we tell you what each choice enables. Information is shared with partners thoughtfully and, where appropriate, with your consent.

Role-based access

Where EASI uses internal tools, access to information is limited to the people who need it for their role. Board members do not access individual service information; governance and service data are deliberately separated.

Reporting without exposure

EASI communicates its impact in aggregated, de-identified ways — telling the community's story without exposing any individual's story.

Limits to confidentiality: mandated reporting

Confidentiality has limits, and in elder justice work they matter. Many EASI board members, volunteers, and partners are mandated reporters under California law. If we learn of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elder or dependent adult, we may be legally required to report it to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement. We believe reporting protects people — and we are honest that it is a duty, not a choice.

Not for emergencies

This website is not an emergency channel. If there is immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected elder abuse: APS Fresno County (559) 255-3383 (24/7) · APS Madera County (559) 675-7839 (24/7).

Last updated: July 2026