FRANKLIN TWP — Three people from the Butler County Area Agency on Aging’s protective services department were recognized Wednesday for their service to people with disabilities.

Supervisor and clinical deputy Ricky Lake Jr. and protective services investigators Jennifer Callihan and Stephen Brown received the Patty L. McCool Advocate of the Year award at Community Care Connections’ annual award celebration, which was held at the Atrium.

The department, which only has three employees, investigates claims of abuse of people age 60 and older.

When workers get a call about potential abuse, they investigate.

If the person is at risk, they work to eliminate that risk.

Abuse can range from physical, emotional and mental abuse to financial exploitation to self-abuse, people who are not taking care of themselves.

After seeing if there is abuse or other issues, investigators can do anything from providing education, placement or talking to friends and family, depending on the case.

“It’s very individualized,” Callihan said.

She said the goal is short-term care; going in, diagnosing the problem and pointing the client in the right direction.

The department’s employees generally handle eight to 15 cases at a time, sometimes up to 20.

From April to October, the department did investigations for reports of abuse for people of all ages due to a change in state policy. It did this voluntarily until the state took over investigations.

“There is a definite need for protective services for the under 60 population,” Callihan said.

Lake said this increased the workload about 25 percent.

The award is named after Patty McCool, who used to work in the Butler County Mental Health Mental Retardation office and now is the director of the Bureau of Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities for the state Department of Public Welfare.

The award is given to people who “best exemplify advocating for the rights of people with disabilities,” according to a release from CCC.

Eileen Gordon, director of attending care program coordination services for CCC, nominated them, particularly for their service for people younger than age 60.

“We’ve used them probably four or five times over the last several months,” Gordon said.

Lake said he was pleased to get the award, noting that people who work in the social service field often are not recognized for their work.

“I think it was really nice,” Lake said.

Callihan agreed.

“It makes you feel appreciated,” she said.

Also at the ceremony, Jack Cooper was presented the award for Volunteer of the Year.

Cooper, 78, of Butler Township is involved with volunteering at CCC, the Salvation Army, the Shriners, the Gideons International, the Boy Scouts and other organizations.

“I’m delighted to receive the award,” Cooper said.

Awards for community service, longevity of employment and longevity of participation in programs also were handed out.

Community Care Connections, founded in 1972 and based in Connoquenessing Township, is a nonprofit organization that provides programs for people with developmental delays and disabilities.