ENHANCED MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM (E-MDT)

A Coordinated Approach To Combat Elder Financial Exploitation & Abuse

Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) are a partnership among public, profit and non-profit organizations, with the goal of working collaboratively to improve the process of protecting victims of financial exploitation and abuse, as well as improve the outcomes of complex elder abuse cases. The addition of a forensic accountant to assist in the accounting of stolen funds, and a geriatric psychiatrist to help with determinations of capacity, is what makes it an “enhanced” model for elder abuse case coordination.

The E-MDT meets at least once a month to discuss cases, develop service plans and assign action items. While the primary goal is to ensure the safety of elder abuse victims, the E-MDT also seeks to reduce risk of future abuse, recover stolen assets and pursue criminal prosecution in appropriate cases. In 2019, Erie County Adult Protective Services reported receiving 2,160 elder abuse referrals. This is up from 1,600 in 2016.

CELJ is the "hub" for E-MDTs in Western NY. Social Work Supervisor Kathy Kanaley coordinates teams in Erie, Wyoming, Niagara, and Cattaraugus Counties, and can be reached at (716) 853-3087 ext. 219. Social Worker Amanda Chase coordinates the Chautauqua County E-MDT, and can be reached at (716) 853-3087 ext. 261.

CELJ provides civil legal services to all five teams in the Western NY "hub" as well as Genesee and Orleans Counties.

This program is funded in part by New York State Office for the Aging, U.S. Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, New York State Office of Victim Services and Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

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