The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives (PDF). Achievements include the adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form (PDF) for investigations by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings.
In addition to the vulnerable adult incident report and associated trainings, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was passed that ensures mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation. Additionally, legislation has been introduced to address the remainder of the First Revised initiatives and the Task Force is eager to work with its legislative partners this year to put in place increased protections for Michigan's most vulnerable.
Michigan’s recently passed Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) is now in effect and Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a public service announcement explaining the new law.
The UPOAA adopts uniform standards for the creation and use of a power of attorney form used by more than 30 other states. The passage of this law is expected to increase financial institutions’ and healthcare providers’ acceptance of Power of Attorney forms; reduce the number of guardianship and conservatorship court proceedings in the state; and impose penalties if an agent uses the power granted by a Power of Attorney to steal from or abuse the person they are acting on behalf of.
The status quo is unacceptable. The Attorney General, members of the Michigan Supreme Court, and legislators met with Michiganders across the state to hear first-hand about experiences with the EPIC adult guardianship system. Time and time again, Michiganders shared concerns about:
In addition to concerns raised by members of the public, members of the Elder Abuse Task Force have met since 2019 to discuss issues from their perspectives as professionals familiar with the EPIC adult guardianship process.
The Elder Abuse Task Force is a dynamic group of difference makers who are laser focused on improving the lives of older adults.
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.
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.
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.
*Source material used with permission from the National Center on Elder Abuse
