Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Elder Justice Using an Elder Abuse Forensic Center

Abstract

Prosecution is a rare outcome in elder financial exploitation. Previous studies have shown that elder abuse forensic centers—multidisciplinary teams that help investigate and respond to elder mistreatment—increase prosecution rates by enhancing teamwork across agencies. Research is needed to identify what aspects of this intervention model lead to better elder justice outcomes. Six District Attorneys (DAs) were interviewed about their experiences working with other agencies at an elder abuse forensic center (the “Center”) and how participating in case discussions influenced their professional perspectives on elder abuse. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively revealing three themes: (1) “goal-driven” versus “mission-driven” professional orientations; (2) role blurring; and (3) value added from participating in the Center team. Important factors for increasing rates of prosecution were: (1) having key decision-makers present at the meeting; (2) the forensic expertise provided by the geriatrician and neuropsychologist; and (3) cross-discipline learning. Influenced by the other disciplines, DAs sought goals beyond prosecution as the default approach to resolving elder financial abuse and advocated for interventions that could best respond to the victim’s needs, such as restitution or protection.

Global Approaches to Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Elder Abuse Prevention: A Scoping Review

“…Two articles focused on the likelihood of professionals pursuing prosecution of elder abuse perpetrators after participating in MDTs (DeLiema et al, 2016; Gassoumis et al, 2015). Both studies found that participating in MDTs increased the likelihood of prosecuting a case of elder abuse.…”

Forensic Characteristics of Physical Elder Abuse and Current Status and Issues of Collaboration between Forensic Medicine Departments and Related Institutions in Japan

“…In Japan, understanding the role of relevant institutions, including forensic medicine departments, and where to connect cases seems to be important for dealing with elder abuse. As in cases overseas, multidisciplinary teams that include experts in law, medicine and social services [23] might be able to tackle complex problems including family relationships in a comprehensive manner.…”

“…In the United States, the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency plays an important role in intervening in cases of elder abuse, and according to Lachs and Pillemer [22], interventions for identified cases are not only tailored to the victim's situation, but also rely heavily on local resources and on family resources and dynamics. Some regions operate forensic centers staffed by multidisciplinary teams that include experts in law, criminal justice, medicine and social welfare [23]. These centers' activities are attracting attention and expanding [24], but no details on the actual state of collaboration between related institutions, including forensic medicine departments, have been reported to date.…”