February 19, 2009

Former Superior Court Judge to Protect Vulnerable Delawareans

Leading advocate praises choice to lead critical division in DHSS

DOVER -- Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Health and Social Services Rita Landgraf announced Thursday that retired Superior Court Judge Susan Del Pesco will lead the division that oversees the care of some of Delaware's most vulnerable residents.

Del Pesco will start Monday as the director of the Division of Long Term Care Resident Protection.  The division is charged with the licensing and certification of long-term care facilities; the investigation of incidents occurring in facilities and in the community, which might constitute abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation of infirm adults; and the training of providers to assist them in dealing with a variety of issues. 

"Judge Del Pesco will be a tireless advocate for Delawareans who cannot care for themselves and she will put herself in the shoes of the people she serves," Markell said. "She will work with the dedicated owners, operators and staffs of these facilities to ensure that residents are treated with the care, respect and dignity they deserve."

Del Pesco retired last year after two decades on the bench.

“Judge Del Pesco has spent her career seeking opportunities to make life better for all Delawareans,” Landgraf said. "She is ready to fight for the needs of the most vulnerable Delawareans, particularly those who rely on our private and public long term care facilities, group homes and assisted living."

Brian Posey, chair of the Delaware Nursing Home Residents Quality Assurance Commission, praised Del Pesco's appointment.

“It's clear that Judge Del Pesco’s history of working effectively with a broad range of constituencies makes her particularly qualified for this important post,” Posey said. “Her experience as a Professor at Widener University should significantly enhance the Division’s education and outreach efforts.”

Added Del Pesco, "I am honored that Governor Markell and Secretary Landgraf have selected me to serve in this fashion. Not only will the division look for ways to be more efficient and effective in these challenging economic times, but most importantly, it will work to provide the highest level of oversight, protection and support to Delaware’s most vulnerable populations. As a judge, I spent 20 years addressing problems after they occurred. I look forward to this new challenge where the focus is on oversight, protection and the prevention of harm."