Provides legal advice and representation to senior citizen clients. Services provided by law students supervised by faculty. Representation in areas such as health care, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, Social Security and other government entitlements, wills, and elder abuse.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (or LTCOP) is a federal advocacy program dedicated to protecting people living in long term care facilities. In New York State, the Office for the Aging operates LTCOP through its Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman. Many residents don't have family close by. Monitoring facility conditions for these residents is so important If you or your family member has a problem or concern, you may call the NYS Ombudsman in am area at 518-486-2724, or contact the New York State Office for the Aging toll flee at 1-800-342-9871

Services Provided : Assisting and advocating for our county's residents aged 60 and over, and their caregivers, through programs and services designed to promote health, safety, dignity, and independence.
Services include Caregiver support, Educational, Emergency, Employment Placement & Training, Energy Assistance, Legal, Financial, Health&Nutrition, Long Term Care insurance information/HIICAP, Information/Referral Case management, EISEP personal care services, Transportation, Volunteer Opportunities, Home Delivered Meals, congregate meals, loan closet for small medical items, loan closet for hearing enhancing devices. Ombudsman advocate program.

New York has the distinction of being the first state in the nation to enact a Human Rights Law, which affords every citizen “an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life.” This law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions, based on age, race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military status, and other specified classes.

If you feel your human rights have been violated, you can file a complaint. Forms can be found on the website or call 607-721-8467 to obtain a form.

Catholic Charities staff is trained to respond to trauma and use these skills as they interact with families who live with and are impacted by domestic violence. Staff/therapists provide services including counseling to survivors (of any age, children to seniors) and their families along with linkage to specialized services in community offices located across the eight counties of Western New York.

MHLS offers legal representation, advice and assistance to persons residing in facilities for the mentally disabled concerning retention, release, care, and treatment. The facilities may be state, city, voluntary, or private, and may be community based or institutional.

•MHLS investigates complaints of clients, their relatives, and friends concerning care and treatment.

•MHLS has complete access to facility records of the mentally disabled in New York State. We keep all client information confidential.

•MHLS accepts requests for help or information from clients, their family, or friends who contact MHLS by telephone, letter, or personal visits.

•MHLS represents the mentally disabled in civil commitment proceedings and other cases. Our staff offers various alternatives and solutions to advocate a client's wishes and interests. We may file lawsuits on behalf of our clients.

•MHLS represents individuals subject to court ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment.

•MHLS also represents individuals in need of a guardian, when authorized by a court, regardless of the individual's residence.

•MHLS refers a person to the appropriate agency if a request is outside our jurisdiction. For example, we do not represent individuals in matters regarding wills, divorces, or actions for damages against other individuals.

Offers domestic violence female victims and their children services such as hotlines, housing, counseling. Counseling and non-residential services and residential services.

Legal service is available to Chenango County residents who are 60 years of age and over. Priority is given to people seeking assistance with Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, financial management, or adult protective services. There is a suggested contribution.

For an appointment please call: (607) 337-1770.

The Crime Victims Assistance Center, (CVAC), has certified crisis counselors who provide 24 hour support through their crisis hotline and advocacy to all four local hospitals and local police agencies. Victim advocates provide support and assistance to victims, family or friends and act as liaisons with hospitals and law enforcement staff. Serves victims of violent crimes, rape, abuse, and domestic violence.

When it comes to protecting your rights and ensuring proper resolution of legal issues, nobody should have to go it alone. Yates OFA's Legal Services program refers its customers to Legal Assistance of Western New York, where they can access legal representation on rights, benefits, and issues regarding civil law.