Elder Abuse Interventions Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (E-MDT) Evaluation Final Report

Authors

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany
Carmen Morano, University at Albany, State University of New York

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

9-2022

Abstract

The Center for Human Services Research (CHSR), in collaboration with the University at Albany School of Social Welfare (SSW), worked with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, the Weill Cornell Medicine’s New York City Elder Abuse Center (NYCEAC), NYCAging (formerly the New York City Department for the Aging), and the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) to develop and complete a program evaluation of the Elder Abuse Interventions and Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT) Initiative in New York State. E-MDTs use a collaborative approach to intervene in complex cases of elder abuse (financial, physical, psychological, sexual, and neglect by others). Members of the teams represent a variety of disciplines including: adult protective services (APS), aging services, health and human services, financial/ banking services, law enforcement, as well as others who meet regularly under the facilitation of an E-MDT Coordinator. The teams are enhanced by access to forensic accountants, mental health professionals, and civil legal services.

The E-MDT Initiative is funded with Federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding provided by the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) and State funding provided by NYSOFA. It is overseen by NYSOFA and coordinated statewide by Lifespan. The E-MDT Initiative is implemented in New York State through a network of eleven regional Hub organizations that administer program implementation and provide E-MDT Coordinator services for each county. Lifespan and NYCEAC each act as Hub organizations and work in concert to provide technical assistance and training to E-MDTs across New York State. NYCAging also funds NYCEAC to operate E-MDTs in New York City. Funding for this program evaluation was provided by Lifespan utilizing funding from OVS (federal VOCA funding) and NYSOFA.

This report provides findings from a survey distributed to E-MDT members and a series of focus groups conducted by the Center for Human Services Research at SUNY Albany, in collaboration with the SUNY Albany School of Social Welfare. The survey and focus group questions were developed collaboratively with Lifespan, NYSOFA, NYCEAC, and NYCAging.

Recommended Citation

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany and Morano, Carmen, "Elder Abuse Interventions Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (E-MDT) Evaluation Final Report" (2022). Children, Family & Elder Services Reports and Research Briefs. 22.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/chsr-cfes-reports-and-briefs/22