Elder Abuse Forensic Centers

• NCJ Number: 232798
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect Volume: 22 Issue: 3-4 Dated: July-December 2010 Pages: 255-274
• Author(s): Diana Cafaro Schneider, M.D.; Laura Mosqueda, M.D.; Erika Falk, Psy.D.; George J. Huba, Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2010
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes six forensic centers in urban settings across the State of California for the improved quality and coordination of elder abuse and neglect services. The article reviews the development, challenges, and successes of each of the four forensic centers.

Abstract

Elder abuse forensic centers present a new model of multidisciplinary collaboration on elder abuse cases. The "clients" of a forensic center are Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, and the Long-term Care Ombudsman. Centers take the basic multidisciplinary team model and add a geriatrician and a psychologist. Additionally, forensic center team members make home visits with APS and others for the purposes of conducting psychological or medical evaluations, lessening the burden of multiple interviews for the alleged abuse victims, and gathering evidence for possible prosecution. The challenges and successes of the four California forensic center teams are discussed. (Published Abstract) Tables and references