$8.4 Million in Funding Issued to Combat Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation Throughout New York State

A total of $8.4 million in state and federal funding is being provided to improve and expand services for vulnerable adults at risk of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. Developed by the state Office of Victim Services and state Office for the Aging, the Elder Abuse Interventions and Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams Initiative is the first of its kind in the nation. The initiative will fund and support 23 existing multidisciplinary teams currently targeting elder abuse and establish additional teams with the goal of serving every county in the state by the fall of 2020. 

"New York remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting one of our most vulnerable populations and to holding those responsible accountable for their actions," Governor Cuomo said. "By expanding upon existing efforts to ensure we are able to serve every county in the state, we can prevent harm to vulnerable adults, reduce risk of exploitation, and save lives." 

"Older New Yorkers are at risk of being victims of abuse and financial exploitation, so New York is leading the nation with a comprehensive network to protect our most vulnerable," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This funding will expand our efforts to assist vulnerable adults with support from teams across the state to ensure they don't become victims of abuse. Through teams of professionals and investment in resources and services, New York is committed to reducing harm and helping to save lives." 

Over the next three years, the Office of Victim Services will provide $2 million in federal funding annually and the Office for the Aging will provide another $500,000 in state funding annually to establish the E-MDT Initiative. These teams consist of professionals from aging services, adult protective, health care, financial services, criminal justice, victim assistance, mental health and other disciplines to coordinate investigations and develop interventions to stop or prevent elder abuse. The teams—first piloted in the state in 2012—assist adults who are 60 or older and at risk for harm or exploitation due to physical limitations, cognitive impairment or dementia, and social isolation. 

Click here for the full announcement. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo