PDAA Executive Director Kelly Callihan Appointed to the Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts

HARRISBURG – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently appointed PDAA Executive Director Kelly Callihan to the Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts, which identifies and addresses elder justice issues, including abuse and neglect.

“The Advisory Council exists to identify areas of need and challenges faced by older Pennsylvanians and to improve the ability of Pennsylvania courts to meet those needs,” according to the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts.

Callihan recently submitted testimony on behalf of PDAA before a joint hearing of the state Senate Aging and Youth and Banking and Insurance committees. Callihan said district attorneys across Pennsylvania have taken a lead in educating older adults about the risk of becoming victims of crime. As Pennsylvania’s senior population grows, she said, education and enforcement efforts will become more important.

“Now is the critical time to increase awareness and implement preventive measures,” Callihan said. “With the advancements in technology, including the common use of cell phones, social media, phishing scams, and most recently artificial intelligence, more must be done.”

Callihan was named PDAA Executive Director in October 2023 after serving as PDAA’s Counsel for Policy and External Relations. A former district attorney, Callihan has sought justice for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and violent crimes.

“Older Pennsylvanians could not have a better advocate on their side than Kelly Callihan,” said PDAA President David Strouse, district attorney of Clinton County. “She will work tirelessly to ensure that the challenges faced by older Pennsylvanians are identified, and they are able to obtain access to the justice system.”

Visit the court’s website for more information on the Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts. Visit the PDAA website for more information on how prosecutors are protecting older Pennsylvanians and supporting victims of crime.

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