Elder abuse and neglect are significant national concerns. Elder abuse refers to intentional acts or omissions by caregivers or trusted individuals that cause harm or risk to those aged 60 or older. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), about one in ten Americans over 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse. An estimated five million older adults are abused each year.

By 2017, addressing elder and at-risk adult abuse in Rockdale County became more urgent due to significant growth in the elderly population since 2010. From 2013 to 2017, Adult Protective Services (APS) investigated an average of 122 cases annually. Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. noted increases in guardianship and conservatorship petitions and inconsistencies in care management for elderly and at-risk adults. The District Attorney’s Office also reported more elder abuse investigations during this period. In 2018, APS investigated 341 alleged cases of abuse.

To enhance support for the elderly in the community, Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr., met with District Attorney Alisha Johnson and Sheriff Eric J. Levett, and, through their collaborative efforts, the formation of the PEARL (Protecting our Elderly and At-Risk with Resources for Better Living) Program and an elder multidisciplinary team was formed.

Community education and prompt reporting of alleged abuse allow elderly and at-risk adults to be removed from harmful situations and connect them with supportive resources. When appropriate, abusers are held accountable through criminal and civil actions.

In May 2019, PEARL became one of three officially recognized multidisciplinary teams in Georgia. The program continues to collaborate with state and local agencies to support the well-being of elderly adults (65 and older) and at-risk adults (ages 18-64 with a disability).

As of December 2025, the PEARL program and multidisciplinary team have managed over 1,200 cases consistent with elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation since inception.