Holding Abusers Accountable: An Elder Abuse Forensic Center Increases Criminal Prosecution of Financial Exploitation

Abstract

Previous studies have not demonstrated that elder abuse interventions impact outcomes; this study breaks new ground by showing that an elder abuse multidisciplinary team increases rates of prosecution for financial exploitation. The elder abuse forensic center model facilitates cooperation and group problem solving among key professionals, including APS, law enforcement, and the DA and provides additional resources such as neuropsychological testing, medical record review, and direct access to the Office of the Public Guardian.

Elder abuse: an approach to identification, assessment and intervention

“…All of the studies we identified [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] were heterogeneous and had substantial limitations, and it is therefore difficult to recommend any of the studied interventions.…”

“…However, there has been only one study demonstrating a statistically significant measurable outcome for a multidisciplinary team. 45 This was a case-control study of the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center (n = 287), which showed increased rates of prosecution for financial abuse with a multidisciplinary team. This study addressed only financial abuse, however, and its results cannot be extrapolated to other types of abuse that may be harder to prove in the justice system.…”

State of the science on prevention of elder abuse and lessons learned from child abuse and domestic violence prevention: Toward a conceptual framework for research

“…Wiglesworth, Mosqueda, Burnight, Younglove, and Jeske (2006) performed a Level 1 evaluation showing improved attitudes toward the efficiency and effectiveness of an elder abuse forensic center. MDTs modeled after programs in domestic violence interventions appear to be successful in terms of Level 1 satisfaction and attitudes, and Level 3 recognition of abuse, referral to protective services, money management and housing services, review by the District Attorney’s Office, and higher rates of prosecution and conviction (Navarro, Gassoumis, & Wilber, 2013; Rizzo et al, 2015; Teaster, Nerenberg, & Stansbury, 2003). …”

Emerging Innovations, Best Practices, and Evidence-Based Practices in Elder Abuse and Neglect: a Review of Recent Developments in the Field

“…Case studies documented the effectiveness of the forensic teams in submitting their cases to the District Attorney and for prosecution, especially in cases of financial exploitation (Wiglesworth et al 2006). In the second study, Navarro et al (2013) analyzed case reports from the EAFC, finding that the program increased rates of prosecution for financial exploitation by facilitating cooperation and group problem solving among APS, law enforcement, and the District Attorney, in addition to providing additional resources, such as neuropsychological testing and direct access, to the Office of the Public Guardian. Common outcomes included referrals to, and use of, home health services, urgent medication interventions, guardianship, and hospitalization and/or placement.…”