Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Elder Justice Using an Elder Abuse Forensic Center

Marguerite DeLiema, Adria E. Navarro, Melyssa Moss, Kathleen H. Wilber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Prosecution is a rare outcome in elder financial exploitation. Previous studies have shown that elder abuse forensic centers—multidisciplinary teams that help investigate and respond to elder mistreatment—increase prosecution rates by enhancing teamwork across agencies. Research is needed to identify what aspects of this intervention model lead to better elder justice outcomes. Six District Attorneys (DAs) were interviewed about their experiences working with other agencies at an elder abuse forensic center (the “Center”) and how participating in case discussions influenced their professional perspectives on elder abuse. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively revealing three themes: (1) “goal-driven” versus “mission-driven” professional orientations; (2) role blurring; and (3) value added from participating in the Center team. Important factors for increasing rates of prosecution were: (1) having key decision-makers present at the meeting; (2) the forensic expertise provided by the geriatrician and neuropsychologist; and (3) cross-discipline learning. Influenced by the other disciplines, DAs sought goals beyond prosecution as the default approach to resolving elder financial abuse and advocated for interventions that could best respond to the victim’s needs, such as restitution or protection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)780-795
Number of pages16
JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice
Volume41
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016, Southern Criminal Justice Association.

Keywords

  • Elder abuse and neglect
  • Elder justice
  • Financial exploitation
  • Forensic center
  • Multidisciplinary team
  • Prosecution

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