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Elder Abuse Task Force
Elder Abuse Task Force
Working together to keep older adults safe.
Our Work in Action
The Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Since launch, our progress includes:
- New Tools: Use of the Vulnerable Adult Incident Report (PDF) statewide to probe abuse.
- Better Laws: The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (PDF) requires financial institutions to flag fraud.
- Training: Teaching Michigan residents how to spot and stop abuse.
Recent Victory: The Uniform Power of Attorney Act (PDF) adopts uniform standards for the creation and use of a power of attorney form used by more than 30 other states.
Who We Are
The Committees Behind the Task Force
The Elder Abuse Task Force is powered by more than 100 individuals who make up nine committees, each tackling a key part of elder abuse prevention. These teams bring together experts from government, law enforcement, healthcare, and community groups to protect older adults. Here's what they do:
- Courts and State Court Administrator's Office: Reviews court practice and procedure as it relates to guardianships and conservatorships and recommends changes to improve the elder and vulnerable adult care system.
- Data Collection and Research: Collects and analyzes data from the probate courts and state court administrative office to assist in the identification of trends and statistical patters to guide decision making pertaining to guardian caseload, guardian and conservator appointments and other related elder care issues.
- Funding and Resources: Focuses on identifying funding needs and funding sources for written materials, videos, and other informational resources related to the elder justice system.
- Initiatives: Focuses on identifying specific initiatives that will make a substantive difference in combating all forms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older individuals.
- Law Enforcement: Reviews statewide practices, procedures, tools and training for officers and prosecutors as they pertain to elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Development: Creates a model protocol for multidisciplinary teams and to promote creation of teams in every county address elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation with a system-wide response.
- Policy & Legislation: Drafts and reviews legislative proposals to improve Michigan's response to elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
- Public Awareness: Increase public awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, and how to report maltreatment. Creates brochures and posters, and posts information online.
- Training & Education: Creates video training for law enforcement, prosecutors, guardians, attorneys, health care providers, and other elder and vulnerable adult care workers on the subjects of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
These committees are the backbone of our mission, ensuring we tackle elder abuse from every angle.
How We Team Up
Fighting abuse takes teamwork that's why we're working together to meet the needs of the community through multidisciplinary teams.
Elder Justice Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Working Together to Meet the Needs of the Community
Fighting elder abuse is a challenge that cannot be tackled by one discipline alone. Learn about the importance of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and how your community can work together to bring renewed focus to a growing problem.
Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT)
This is a guide to create a community-based Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT). This is a companion document to the Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (MI-VAT) Investigative Protocol.
Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (MI-VAT)
This investigative protocol is a guide for establishing Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (Mi-VAT). Mi-VAT are a type of Multidisciplinary Team established at the county level to investigate and prosecute vulnerable adult abuse cases.
Publications and Newsletters
Want to learn more? Our publications and newsletters offer expert insights, updates, and tips.
Publications & Resources
Want to Help?
Here's how:
- Spot Signs: Review elder abuse warning signs on our Elder Abuse page.
- Report Elder Abuse: Call Adult Protective Services at 1-855-444-3911 and use the Department of Attorney General's online form.
- Ask Questions: Check our FAQ on guardianship laws.
- Stay Informed: Read our latest news and sign up to receive the Elder Abuse Task Force Newsletter.