8.2 Ensuring a robust system of FEPOA and elder abuse supports and services The Commission’s research found that in addition to the need and appetite for education about FEPOA processes and rights and responsibilities, there is also strong desire among Australians for more information about where they can get support, where to seek help and where abuse can be reported. Concerningly, there was a large portion of principals who said they did not have someone they would feel comfortable talking to about their appointed decision-maker if they had concerns about them. The research also found that legal professionals, friends, family, and many others in the community, have a critical role to play in almost all stages of the FEPOA process. From being the mouthpiece through which many first hear about an FEPOA, to prompting many to consider arranging an FEPOA, these key people are also a trusted source of information and support. From these findings it is clear that the engagement of key professionals and community stakeholders in raising awareness, education, training and the design and implementation of supports and services, is integral to ensuring there are multiple avenues for people to access and learn about relevant supports and services. A combination of solutions and interventions, both formal and informal, through a range of identified contact points is needed to mitigate the risks that may arise from an FEPOA, including the risk of financial abuse. Both principals and appointed decision-makers identified that aged care staff, financial professionals, legal professionals and others in the community would benefit from more FEPOA education. This confirms the integral role they have in providing support to those navigating the FEPOA process, and therefore the necessity that they are appropriately educated to do so. Any future awareness and education on FEPOAs must be grounded in a robust system of supports and services that are sufficiently resourced and funded to effectively assist all Australians in the proper use and application of FEPOAs as well as in preventing and responding to potential financial abuse that may arise from FEPOA misuse. This should encompass in particular: l l l 60 increased and sustained funding to elder abuse specialist services, including mediation and legal services, as well as services to assist people with navigating FEPOA processes and mitigating potential problems which may arise from FEPOAs, including financial abuse engagement and collaboration with key professionals and community peak bodies to deliver regular and standardised national FEPOA education and training to those required to act on FEPOAs, including aged care staff, legal professionals, FEPOA witnesses and financial service providers equity of access to supports and services for all adult Australians, regardless of background, socioeconomic status and location by ensuring the availability of free and accessible community legal advice and services, guidance materials and a range of contact points through which individuals can learn of and access these supports. Empowering futures: A national survey on the understanding and use of financial enduring powers of attorney