Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) are a statewide initiative in New York designed to address complex cases of elder abuse involving individuals aged 60 and older. These teams bring together professionals from multiple disciplines to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to abuse, including financial exploitation, physical harm, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.
Purpose and Mission
E-MDTs exist to intervene in elder abuse cases where no single professional or agency can adequately respond on its own. By reviewing cases collaboratively, E-MDTs create tailored interventions that stop the abuse, protect the victim, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Each county-based E-MDT is led by a Coordinator. The Coordinator manages administrative and clinical operations, reviews referrals, determines if cases qualify for review, and facilitates team meetings where interventions are planned.
Who Makes Up an E-MDT?
Typical members include representatives from:
- Adult Protective Services
- County Offices for the Aging
- Law enforcement agencies
- The District Attorney’s Office
- Civil legal attorneys
- Mental health providers
- Forensic accountants
- Specialized nonprofits
Membership varies by county and reflects the resources and needs of the community.
How the Process Works
E-MDTs follow a structured case review process:
- Referral: A professional or agency (such as law enforcement, a bank, or a healthcare provider) contacts the E-MDT Coordinator with a case.
- Intake: The Coordinator evaluates whether the case meets eligibility criteria.
- Case Review: At scheduled meetings, the referral source presents the case, and team members contribute questions, insights, and strategies.
- Recommendations: The team develops a coordinated action plan, with specific assignments and follow-up steps.
- Follow-Up: Members carry out the recommendations and report back on results.
To qualify, a case must involve a county resident aged 60 or older who is suspected or known to be the victim of a crime.
Oversight and Statewide Support
The New York State Office for the Aging oversees the E-MDT initiative. Statewide coordination is provided by Lifespan of Greater Rochester and the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions at Weill Cornell Medicine, which offer training, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to local teams.
Why E-MDTs Matter
Elder abuse cases are often complicated, involving overlapping legal, financial, medical, and social issues. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that no single aspect is overlooked. For example:
- A forensic accountant can identify financial exploitation.
- Law enforcement can pursue criminal charges.
- Social services can provide immediate safety and support.
- Attorneys can advocate for the elder’s legal rights.
Together, the team provides a stronger and more holistic response than any single agency could deliver alone.
Further Reading:
Hani Sarji
New York lawyer who cares about people, is fascinated by technology, and is writing his next book, Estate of Confusion: New York.
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