Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation

The purpose of this award, funded under the OVC FY 2019 Transforming America's Response to Elder Abuse: Coordinated, Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) for Older Victims of Abuse and Financial Exploitation Program, is to support elder abuse multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) as enhanced MDT’s (E-MDTs) at the rural, tribal, local or state levels, including existing and new teams. Through this solicitation, OVC seeks to support organizations which demonstrate innovative strategies to create, expand, or enhance the use of technology initiatives on a national scale or that can be replicated nationally to improve response, services, and access for victims of crime.

The Milwaukee County Department on Aging will create an Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT) to provide coordination and case review with the goal of developing and strengthening the capacity of victim services. The goal of this project is the development of an MDT that is proficient in case review, continuously improving victim services, advocates and reduces the impact of elder abuse and financial exploitation by early detection and intervention. Prosecutors will be proactive and prosecute cases regardless of the involved dollar amount. Providing more coordination and case review to better identify at-risk elders, offering ongoing support and early detection is crucial to avoiding significant financial loss, abuse, or neglect. Using an evidenced-based model, the E-MDT will include law enforcement, Mental Health Services, Adult Protective Services, Hospital Staff, banking professionals, a forensic accountant, and a psychologist/neuropsychologist to provide case consultation and review. Additional representatives from the Social Security Administration, Long-Term Care agencies, medical examiner, Veterans Affairs fiduciary, public health officials, and victim services representatives, will be consulted to develop protocols and processes for case reviews. The creation of this team, led by a full-time project coordinator, is intended to help create a clearer intake/presentation process, and provide ongoing support and services to the victims of abuse and exploitation.
CA/NCF