Protecting Our Future: Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse (DOHC, 2002) was a seminal
document setting out a framework and programme of work in relation to elder abuse.  Prior to
Protecting Our Future, the issue of elder abuse had not been explicitly articulated as a priority of
health and social policy.

The report included recommendations in 13 wide-ranging areas: the link to wider policy; policy on elder abuse; staff structure; legislation; impaired capacity; carers; awareness, education and training; financial abuse; advocacy; implementation; research and education; reporting abuse. It also recommended that progress in implementing Protecting Our Future should be reviewed.

The Department of Health and Children requested that the National Council on Ageing and Older
People (NCAOP) facilitate the review, on the basis of terms of reference agreed with the Elder Abuse
National implementation Group (EANIG). This report presents the findings of the review and
recommendations arising from these.