August 2016

A Resource Guide for 

Elder Financial 

Exploitation Prevention 

and Response Networks

Office for Older Americans
1 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction...........................................................................................................2

2. Starting a network ................................................................................................4

Models ......................................................................................................................4

Resources.................................................................................................................. 5

3. Coordinators .......................................................................................................10

Traits of Successful Coordinators .......................................................................... 10

Coordinating meetings ............................................................................................11

More information about coordinators’ roles and responsibilities ........................ 12

4. Network members...............................................................................................13

Finding key partners .............................................................................................. 13

5. Funding and sustainability ................................................................................17

Common sources of funding ...................................................................................17

Sustained staffing................................................................................................... 18

6. Activities..............................................................................................................20

Education................................................................................................................20

Case Review............................................................................................................23

7. Resources from the CFPB .................................................................................25

For older adults and their caregivers ..................................................................... 25

For professionals .................................................................................................... 27

For financial institutions........................................................................................ 27
2 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

1. Introduction

The widespread prevalence of elder financial exploitation destroys the financial security of 

millions of older Americans annually. In response to this crisis, hundreds of communities across 

the United States have created collaborative networks to protect their older residents. These 

networks, which often bring together key community stakeholders and resources, engage in 

varied activities designed to prevent, detect, and/or respond to elder financial exploitation. 

To help elder financial protection networks 

around the country effectively protect older 

people in their communities, the Consumer 

Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Office 

for Older Americans provides this Resource 

Guide.1 The guide accompanies the CFPB’s

 

1 This Resource Guide includes links or references to third-party resources or content that networks may find helpful. 

The Bureau does not control or guarantee the accuracy of this outside information. The inclusion of links or 

references to third-party sites does not necessarily reflect the Bureau’s endorsement of the third-party, the views 

expressed on the outside site, or products or services offered on the outside site. The Bureau has not vetted these 

third-parties, their content, or any products or services they may offer. There may be other possible entities or 

resources that are not listed that may also serve your needs.

You can read the findings and 

recommendations of our study at: 

consumerfinance.gov/elder-protectionnetworks
3 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Report and Recommendations: Fighting Elder Financial Exploitation through Community 

Networks.2 This Resource Guide serves as a unified collection of materials and tools for these 

important networks.

The Resource Guide covers the steps involved with starting a network, sources of funds and how 

networks in our study sustained themselves. In addition, the Resource Guide provides 

information on the traits of successful network coordinators, organizing effective meetings, and 

existing resources that may facilitate network activities such as education and case review.

Users of this Resource Guide should be mindful that contact and website information provided 

may change over time. This Resource Guide is not intended to provide legal advice or serve as a 

substitute for your own counsel. This guide may not cover all issues that may arise when starting 

and operating a network. If you have questions or concerns, consider seeking the guidance of the 

appropriate professional. 

 

2 The Library of Congress’ Federal Research Division helped the CFPB produce the report and resource guide.
4 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

2. Starting a network

Communities interested in starting a new network will find that there are a number of models 

that they can follow. Also, they will find that a network typically requires a significant 

investment in resources—chiefly time, but sometimes funding, too. In this section we provide a 

brief overview of existing models, and resources for starting a network.

Models

Networks take on very different structures, perform different activities, and go by a variety of 

names. Yet two models of collaboration seem to dominate: multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) and 

Triads. 

 Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) provide resources, advice, and new perspectives 

to agencies such as adult protective services and law enforcement that bring complex 

abuse cases for review and consultation. Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FASTs) and

Forensic Centers (FCs) are specialized forms of multi-disciplinary team. FASTs and FCs 

are specifically known and studied for their work in responding to financial exploitation. 

 Triads provide coordination between law enforcement, elder service professionals, and 

seniors in order to promote crime awareness and prevention.
5 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

TABLE 1: MAIN TYPES OF NETWORKS

Type of Network

Triads MDTs

(Forensic Center, FAST)

Other

Networks

Primary Activities Training, education and 

awareness

Case review

Training, education and 

awareness; advocacy 

and systems change

Areas of Focus Safety and crime 

prevention

Elder abuse, 

including financial 

exploitation

Varies

Strengths

Present in over 30 states, 

direct involvement of 

consumers

Multidisciplinary 

expertise, direct 

support to victims

Broad policy changes, 

stakeholder engagement

Typical Members

Law enforcement, senior 

services organizations

Adult protective 

services, law 

enforcement, area 

agencies on aging

Senior services 

organizations, 

community and 

advocacy groups, area 

agencies on aging

Geographic Focus Town, City, County City, County All levels, including 

statewide

Resources

Here we provide three resources to assist networks in getting started. 

Resource 1: 

Manuals

Resource 2:

Peers

Resource 3:

Technical Assistance
6 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Manuals

Manuals exist for various types of networks, including elder abuse forensic centers, elder death 

review teams, financial abuse specialist teams, coalitions, and Triads. 

TABLE 2: LIST OF EXISTING REPLICATION MANUALS AND RESOURCES

Resource Provider Web Site

Creating an Elder Abuse Forensic 

Center: Philosophy into Action

University of California, Irvine, 

Center of Excellence on Elder 

Abuse

http://www.centeronelderabuse.org/EA

FC_manual.asp 

Financial Abuse Specialist Team 

Information

Los Angeles County Area Agency 

on Aging Financial Abuse 

Specialist Team

http://www.preventelderabuse.org/com

munities/fast.html

Financial Abuse Specialist Team 

Practice Guide 

Santa Clara County Financial 

Abuse Specialist Team

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/ssa/daas/

aps/Documents/fast_practice_guide.pd

f

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM

sXVHwYfaU

Triad Program Manual The National Association of 

Triads, Inc.

http://www.sheriffs.org/sites/default/file

s/uploads/TRIAD/NATI%20Manual2012.pdf

Developing Effective Elder Justice 

Community Collaborations: 

Strategic Planning Workbook

Developed by Mary Lynn Kasunic

for the National Committee for the 

Prevention of Elder Abuse

http://www.preventelderabuse.org/libra

ry/documents/NCPEATRAININGWOR

KBOOK-ForWebsite1-7-14.pdf
7 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Peers

Network coordinators may share their own particular experiences with starting a network. The 

contact information for the networks we interviewed for our report is listed below.

TABLE 3: CONTACTS FOR TRIADS / SALT COUNCILS

Network / Location Lead Organization Contact

Broward County 

Triad, Fla.

Broward Sherriff’s Office

Youth & Neighborhood Services Tel: 954–321-4100 

Jefferson County 

Triad, Colo.

District Attorney’s Office

Crime Prevention Office

Tel: 303–271–6970

303-271-6980

Pickaway County 

Triad, Ohio

Pickaway Seniors and Law 

Enforcement Together Council Tel: 740–601-0632

St. Tammany SALT 

Council, La. St. Tammany Triad

Tel: 985-809-5450

985–705–9252

E-Mail: info@STSALT.ORG

Virginia TRIAD

Programs and

Office of the Attorney General 

Community Outreach Tel: 904–786–1088

E-Mail: seniors@oag.state.va.us

TABLE 4: CONTACTS FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS / FINANCIAL ABUSE SPECIALIST TEAMS

Network / Location Lead Organization Contact

Collaboration Against 

Abuse, Neglect and 

Exploitation, Ohio

Collaboration Against Abuse, 

Neglect and Exploitation

Tel: 937–225–6045 

937-225-4948

Elder Abuse Law 

Enforcement 

Collaboration, Hawaii

Hawaii County, 

Elder Abuse Prosecution 

and Prevention Unit

Tel: 808–934–3461

Fairfield County Elder 

Abuse Interdisciplinary 

Team, Ohio

Fairfield County Dept. of Job and Family 

Services, Adult Protective Services Tel: 740–652-7701

Houston FAST BBB Education Foundation Tel: 713–341–6141
8 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Network / Location Lead Organization Contact

Illinois FAST Age Options, Inc.

Tel: 708–383–0258

E-Mail: 

information@ageoptions.org

Los Angeles FAST WISE & Healthy Aging- Elder Abuse 

Prevention and Ombudsman Services Tel: 310–394–9871

Oklahoma County 

Coalition Against 

Financial Exploitation 

of the Elderly 

Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services,

Adult Protective Services Tel: 405–522–0038

Orange County EDRT, 

Calif.

University of California, Irvine

School of Medicine, Center of 

Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect

Tel: 714–456–5530

E-Mail: 

centeronelderabuse@uci.edu

TABLE 5: CONTACTS FOR OTHER NETWORKS AND COALITIONS

Network / Location Lead Organization Contact

Colorado Coalition for Elder 

Rights and Abuse 

Prevention

Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights

and Abuse Prevention

E-Mail: info@ccerap.org

The District’s Collaborative 

Training and Response for 

Older Victims, Washington, 

D.C.

Network for Victim

Recovery of D.C. Tel: 202–742–1727

E-Mail: info@nvrdc.org

Elder Financial Protection 

Network, Calif.

Elder Financial

Protection Network

Tel: 415–956–5556

Northeast Kingdom 

Vulnerable Adult Action 

Coalition, Vt.

Area Agency on Aging for 

Northeast Vermont Tel: 800–642–5119

Southern Crescent Coalition 

Against Abuse and Neglect, 

Ga.

Agency on Aging for the Three 

Rivers Region Tel: 678–692–0510
9 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Technical Assistance

National organizations, such as those listed below, can provide technical assistance and training 

resources to guide networks in starting up and improving themselves and their activities. 

 National Association for Triads, Inc NATI

•Tel: 703–836–7827

•E-Mail: nati@sheriffs.org

•Web Site: http://www.sheriffs.org/contact-us

NCEA National Center on Elder Abuse

•Tel: 855–500–3537

•Web Site: https://ncea.acl.gov/connectwithus/index.html

 National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse NCPEA

•Tel: 202–464–9481

•E-Mail: info@preventelderabuse.org

•Web Site: http://www.preventelderabuse.org/contact 
10 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

3. Coordinators

Members of the networks in our study stated that the coordinator’s role is a critical element of 

the network’s effectiveness. We have identified the traits we heard are essential for successful 

coordinators, regardless of the type of network. We’ve also highlighted information on

coordinators in existing manuals on specific types of networks. 

Traits of Successful Coordinators

Based on our interviews with network coordinators and members, as well as the discussions of 

coordinators in network manuals, we have identified a few skills that we heard coordinators 

should have and why such skills are valuable:

 Networking skills can give coordinators the clout and credibility to recruit and 

orient appropriate team members. 

 Administrative skills can enable coordinators to plan all aspects of network 

meetings, including finding a location, sending out meeting announcements and 

agendas, arranging speakers, producing minutes, and taking care of follow-up 

business.

 Facilitation skills can provide coordinators with the necessary understanding of 

group dynamics and the ability to draw team members into discussions and make 

them feel that all opinions are welcome and respected.
11 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Coordinating meetings

Coordinating meetings is one of the most important responsibilities of a network coordinator. At 

meetings, members interact, coordinate case response, and find value in collaboration. Here are 

some lessons from coordinators:

Questions Considerations

○ Is the location accessible to all 

network members?

Face-to-face meetings are desirable, but not 

always feasible. Take into account the following 

issues when choosing a location:

• Convenience for members: Consider the 

time and resources needed to get there.

• Parking costs.

• Accessibility for everyone, especially 

members and/or clients with disabilities.

○ Is there an alternative way for 

members to participate without 

being physically present?

Use alternative ways of participating, like 

teleconferencing or videoconferencing services, 

such as Skype.

○ Is the scheduled meeting time 

convenient? 

Take into account rush hour, members’ other 

commitments, etc.

Consider other potential barriers such as religious 

holidays, work schedules, and time differences.

○ Is the agenda inclusive? Select topics/cases in which all participants can 

have a say. 

○ If the network does case review, 

are there protocols for discussing

cases without breaching 

confidentiality or the victims’ 

privacy?

Decide whether to have a separate case review 

meeting after a general meeting or to have an 

inclusive case review meeting. 

Ensure that individuals referring cases for review 

believe that the confidentiality of their client(s) is 

protected. 

Use privacy/confidentiality agreements (see some 

samples of privacy and confidentiality agreements 

below).

○ Does the meeting allocate enough 

time to satisfy the needs of the 

network and its members?

Ensure there is sufficient time for all members to 

participate fully.

Include time to discuss new issues/business. 

Consider allocating a few minutes for networking.
12 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

More information about coordinators’ roles 

and responsibilities 

This table shows specific subsections in existing manuals that discuss coordinators’ roles and 

responsibilities.

TABLE 6: RESOURCES FOR COORDINATORS IN EXISTING REPLICATION MANUALS

Network Type Manual Web Site Relevant Content

Elder Abuse 

Forensic Center

Creating an Elder Abuse 

Forensic Center: Tools for 

Your Community

(University of California, 

Irvine, Center of Excellence 

on Elder Abuse)

http://www.centeroneld

erabuse.org/docs/Coor

dinatorJobDescr.pdf

Appendix J: Forensic 

Center Coordinator Job 

Description Highlights, 

p. 87.

Financial Abuse 

Specialist Team 

Financial Abuse Specialist 

Team Information (Los 

Angeles County Area 

Agency on Aging Financial 

Abuse Specialist Team)

PDF is available upon 

request.

WISE Senior Services 

1527 Fourth Street, 

Ste 250 

Santa Monica, CA 

90401 

(310) 394-9871 

These sections: 

Determine Who Will 

Coordinate the FAST;

Coordinating the FAST; 

Appendix: FAST 

Coordinator Job 

Description.

Coalition

Developing Effective Elder 

Justice Community 

Collaborations: Strategic 

Planning Workbook

(Developed by Mary Lynn 

Kasunic for the National 

Committee for the 

Prevention of Elder Abuse)

http://www.preventelde

rabuse.org/library/docu

ments/NCPEATRAININ

GWORKBOOKForWebsite1-7-14.pdf 

Step 5: Establish 

Effective Leadership, 

pp. 32–35, 38 (form).

Triad

Triad Program Manual

(The National Association of 

Triads, Inc.)

http://www.sheriffs.org/

sites/default/files/uploa

ds/TRIAD/NATI%20Ma

nual-2012.pdf 

S.A.L.T. Council 

Meetings: Who 

Chairs?, p. 8.
13 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

4. Network members

Key partners for many networks include Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, local Area 

Agencies on Aging, financial institutions, long term care ombudsman, and district attorneys. 

The networks we studied considered law 

enforcement agencies to be key members 

because of their critical roles in responding to 

elder abuse. Yet many networks also reported 

that the absence of law enforcement personnel 

at meetings was an issue. In addition to law 

enforcement, some networks considered 

financial institutions to be key members because of their expertise and opportunity often to see 

evidence of the exploitation as it occurs. 

Finding key partners

The following table provides links to websites that provide contact information for local, 

regional and state entities to help networks seeking such partners.

TABLE 7: FINDING YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Replication tip: Counties are a good 

geographic level for collaboration. Most 

Area Agencies on Aging, Adult Protective 

Services, District Attorney and Sherriff’s

offices operate at the county level.

Partner(s) Directory Website

Adult Protective 

Services

Get Help–APS Map (National Adult 

Protective Services Association)

http://www.napsa-now.org/gethelp/help-in-your-area/

Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Agencies 

(GoLawEnforcement.com)

http://www.golawenforcement.com/L

awEnforcementAgencies.htm
14 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Key people in financial institutions

Networks that engaged with financial institutions typically engaged with individuals in key 

positions at the bank and credit union. Here is a quick summary of those positions and their

involvement on issues related to elder financial exploitation. In addition, some financial 

institutions now have specialized teams that focus on elder financial exploitation and those team 

members may be excellent contacts for networks, regardless of their title within the institution.

BRANCH MANAGER

In addition to overseeing the daily operation of a branch’s lending, sales, and customer service, 

the branch manager also oversees the branch’s safety and security operations. Managers are 

usually the first point of contact for referrals to other key staff in the financial institution. When 

a financial institution participates in a network, the branch manager also may work with 

networks to coordinate training for bank staff.

Area Agencies on 

Aging

Eldercare Locator (U.S. Dept. of Health 

and Human Services, Administration 

on Aging)

http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.N

ET/Public/Index.aspx

Banks American Bankers Association http://www.aba.com/advocacy/pages/

statesites.aspx

Credit Unions Credit Union National Association http://www.cuna.org/Webassets/Pag

es/Content.aspx?id=44217

Ombudsman 

Offices

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman 

Resource Center (National Consumer 

Voice for Quality Long-Term Care)

http://theconsumervoice.org/get_help
15 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Compliance officers are responsible for implementing and managing the financial institution’s 

compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures. When a financial institution chooses 

to participate in a network, the compliance officer may provide support to the network with case 

review so that the network can understand the financial institution's processes, such as 

electronic transfers, reporting procedures and actions to protect their account holders.

Key role in financial institutions: 

Manages front line staff such 

as tellers and loan officers

Role in 

networks:

Serves as a point of contact for 

referrals to other key staff in 

the financial institution

Works with networks to 

coordinate training for bank 

staff

Role in financial 

institutions: 

Person most knowledgable of 

consumer protection issues 

including elder financial 

exploitation reporting 

requirements and privacy 

laws.

Role in 

networks:

Provides support to networks 

with case review so network 

can understand financial 

institution's processes, such 

as electronic transfers, 

reporting procedures and 

actions to protect their 

account holders
16 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH/EDUCATION/PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Community outreach and education specialists lead and/or conduct many of the financial 

institution’s efforts to educate the general public and account holders on topics such as savings 

and safe banking. They also lead the financial institution’s financial education and literacy 

programs. This position may not exist in all financial institutions or may be based in the 

charitable arm of the financial institution. When a financial institution chooses to participate in 

a network, the outreach and education specialists speak and present at community events and 

often coordinate and manage grants and other funding provided to a network.

OTHER STAFF

Other potential staff includes security officers, training officers, and legal counsel. Depending on 

the size of the instiution, some positions may be located at a regional office.

Role in financial 

institutions: 

Manages the financial 

institution's charitable 

and funding initiatives 

Leads community 

education programs

Role in 

networks:

Speaks and present at 

community events

Coordinates and 

manages grants and 

other funding provided 

to a network
17 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

5. Funding and sustainability

Networks often attributed successful start-up, sustainability and growth to funding. In this 

section, we list common sources of start-up funding that networks reported and ways in which 

networks have successfully sustained their efforts. 

Common sources of funding

The following table provides examples of typical sources of funding for networks. The table 

shows the types of activities and personnel they support, and grantees included in our study that 

were supported by these sources.

TABLE 8: CURRENT AND PAST FUNDERS OF NETWORKS

Funder Types of Activities/

Staff Funded

Networks that 

Received Funding

Federal (Department of 

Justice)

Coordinators’ time.

Victims support services.

Communities Against Senior 

Exploitation (CASE) Partnership, 

Denver

Elder Abuse Law Enforcement 

Collaboration, Hawaii

Jefferson County Triad, Colo.

The District’s Collaborative Training and 

Response for Older Victims, 

Washington, D.C. 

Foundations

Website assistance.

Start-up grants.

Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and

Abuse Prevention (CCERAP) 
18 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Sustained staffing

The most common way networks have been able to sustain their efforts over time is by finding a 

home for their network coordinator. Their home organizations allow coordinators to devote all 

or a portion of their time to the network’s efforts. The table below shows the name and type of 

organization in which the networks that we interviewed have housed their coordinators. 

TABLE 9: ORGANIZATIONS WHERE COORDINATORS ARE TYPICALLY BASED

Oregon’s Retiree Response Technical 

Team

Financial institutions’ 

foundations

Website assistance.

Coordinators’ time.

.

Colorado Coalition for Elder Rights and

Abuse Prevention (CCERAP) 

Illinois FAST

Financial Institutions

Community education.

Sponsoring elder abuse events.

Elder Financial Protection Network, 

Calif.

Collaboration Against Abuse, Neglect 

and Exploitation, Ohio

Network Coordinator’s Home Non-Profit Government University

Collaboration Against Abuse, 

Neglect and Exploitation, Ohio

Montgomery County Dept. of 

Job and Family Services, Adult 

Protective Services

X

The District’s Collaborative 

Training and Response for 

Older Victims, Washington, 

D.C.

Network for Victim Recovery of 

D.C. X

Division of Aging and Adult 

Services Collaboration with the 

Credit Union, N.C.

North Carolina State Employees 

Credit Union & North Carolina 

Dept. of Health and Human 

Services, Division of Aging and 

Adult Services

X X

Elder Abuse Law Enforcement 

Collaboration, Hawaii

Office of the Prosecuting 

Attorney, Hawaii County X
19 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

* A quasi-governmental entity.

Fairfield County Elder Abuse 

Interdisciplinary Team, Ohio

Fairfield County Dept. of Job and 

Family Services, APS X

Houston FAST BBB Education Foundation X

Illinois FAST Age Options, Inc. X

Jefferson County Triad, Colo. District Attorney’s Office,

Golden, Colo. X

Los Angeles FAST WISE & Healthy Aging X

New York City Elder Abuse 

Network

Weinberg Center for Elder 

Abuse Prevention, Hebrew 

Home at Riverdale & New York 

State Unified Court System, 

Office of Court Administration

X X

Northeast Kingdom Vulnerable 

Adult Action Coalition, Vt.

Northeast Kingdom Council on 

Aging X

Oklahoma County Coalition 

Against Financial Exploitation 

of the Elderly

Oklahoma Dept. of Human 

Services, Adult Protective 

Services

X

Orange County EDRT, Calif. University of California, Irvine X

Southern Crescent Coalition 

Against Abuse and Neglect, 

Ga.

Three Rivers Regional 

Commission* X

Virginia TRIAD Office of the Attorney General, 

Richmond, Va. X
20 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

6. Activities 

Consumer and professional education was the most common activity undertaken by the 

networks in our study. Case review was the second most common activity performed by those 

networks.

Education

Networks that conduct educational activities take advantage of a variety of free resources to 

educate and train the public as well as professionals. 

Free resources for public education

Money Smart for Older Adults

(Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Federal Deposit Insurance 

Corporation)

Money Smart for Older Adults is an instructor-led training module that teaches older adults 

and their caregivers about how to prevent elder financial exploitation and encourages advance 

planning and informed financial decision-making. 

 https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/OlderAdult.html (English)
21 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

 https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmartsp/mayores.html (Spanish)

Single and bulk printed copies of Money Smart for Older Adults can be ordered at 

http://promotions.usa.gov/cfpbpubs.html#special

Pass It On (Federal Trade Commission)

The Pass It On fraud education campaign is aimed at active older Americans and covers 

financial scams.

 http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it-on (English)

 http://www.consumidor.ftc.gov/destacado/destacado-s0030-pasalo (Spanish)

Free Resources for Professional Education and Training

The list below includes free educational resources for professional training and education, 

including some specifically tailored for law enforcement, case workers, and financial institutions 

currently used by many of the networks that we interviewed.

TABLE 10: PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS AND RESOUCES

Resource (Provider) Description How to get it

At-Risk Adult Crime 

Tactics (ACT) Course 

(Forensics Special 

Investigation Unit, Ga.)

This course is a two-day certified training that 

is designed to increase the awareness of first 

and second responders to at-risk adult 

abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The 

Forensics Special Investigation Unit in

Georgia conducts the training. Credits are 

approved for police officers, emergency 

medical services, and continuing legal 

education. Law enforcement agencies 

sponsor ACT certification classes. 

Reference Guides and the 

Specialist Certification are 

available upon request from 

the Georgia Dept. of Human 

Services.

Tel: 866–552–4464
22 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

At-Risk Adult Training 

Curriculum (The 

Financial Services 

Roundtable and BITS)

This program by the Financial Services 

Roundtable and BITS, the roundtable’s 

technology policy division, provides a general 

overview for financial institutions that are 

developing internal training programs for 

front-line staff and fraud investigators. 

http://fsroundtable.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/09/BI

TS-Roundtable-At-RiskAdult-Training-CurriculumJan-2013.pdf

E-Mail: bits@fsround.org

Legal Issues Related to 

Elder Abuse: Guides 

for Law Enforcement

(American Bar 

Association,

Commission on Law and 

Aging)

The American Bar Association, Commission 

on Law and Aging’s Pocket Guide provides 

brief explanations of legal concepts, 

documents, and tools to remedy elder abuse 

and issues and actions that justice system 

professionals should consider if they suspect 

elder abuse has occurred.

The Desk Guide provides more information 

about some of the topics covered in the 

Pocket Guide and additional resources, 

including tips for communicating with older 

adults, differences between civil and criminal 

courts, and entities that may be involved with 

elder abuse victims or perpetrators.

http://www.americanbar.org/g

roups/law_aging/resources/el

der_abuse/legal_issues_relat

ed_to_elder_abuse_guides.ht

ml

E-Mail: 

aging@americanbar.org

Preventing Elder 

Financial Exploitation:

How Banks Can Help 

(Oregon Bankers 

Association [OBA])

The OBA Elder Financial Exploitation Project 

is a nationally recognized and replicated 

program. The project’s toolkit includes a 

training manual and a DVD with information 

for bank personnel about how to recognize 

and report possible elder financial 

exploitation. The DVD contains scenarios 

that are based on actual events experienced 

by OBA members.

http://www.oregonbanker

s.com/uploads/5/1/5/1/51

510679/2013_elder_abuse

_manual_-

_web_version_-_final.pdf
23 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Case Review

We reviewed existing manuals for sample documents that networks can use to summarize, 

present, discuss, track, and follow-up on cases. We provide sample documents for case reviews 

that focus solely on financial exploitation and for cases involving multiple forms of elder abuse.

FIGURE 1: RESOURCES FOR CASE REVIEW

Privacy and Confidentiality 

Networks in the study stated that they benefit from the ability to discuss cases, make 

recommendations for case resolutions, or refer cases to the appropriate authorities. The issue of 

privacy is vital in these processes and networks must take it very seriously. Networks that often 

engage in case review have developed protocols for client privacy and confidentiality. The 

following table provides some examples of these protocols.

Summarizing

•Financial Abuse Specialist Team Information (Los Angeles County Area Agency 

on Aging Financial Abuse Specialist Team)

•Appendix: Option 1, Option 11.

•Available upon request. (See contact details for WISE Senior Services, p. 9)

Presenting

•Financial Abuse Specialist Team Practice Guide (Santa Clara County Financial 

Abuse Specialist Team)

•Appendix G: FAST Meeting Presentation Format, pp. 33–40.

•https://www.sccgov.org/sites/ssa/daas/aps/Documents/fast_practice_guide.pdf

•Creating an Elder Abuse Forensic Center: Philosophy into Action (University 

of California, Irvine, Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse)

•Appendix A: Sample Case Presentation Format, p. 67.

•http://www.centeronelderabuse.org/docs/EAFC_MANUAL_Appendices.pdf

Following-up

•Creating An Elder Abuse Forensic Center: Philosophy Into Action (University of 

California, Irvine, Center Of Excellence On Elder Abuse)

•Appendix B: Elder Abuse Forensic Center Case Tracking Chart, p. 69.

•http://www.centeronelderabuse.org/docs/EAFC_MANUAL_Appendices.pdf 
24 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

TABLE 11: SAMPLES OF PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS

Resource (Provider) Website Sample Forms

Creating an Elder Abuse 

Forensic Center: Tools for Your 

Community (University of 

California, Irvine, Center of 

Excellence on Elder Abuse)

http://www.centeronelderabuse.o

rg/docs/ConfidentialityStatement.

pdf

Appendix F: Confidentiality 

Statement, p. 79.

Creating an Elder Abuse 

Forensic Center: Tools for Your

Community (University of 

California, Irvine, Center of 

Excellence on Elder Abuse)

http://www.centeronelderabuse.o

rg/docs/GuestPolicy.pdf

Appendix G: Guest Policy,

p. 81.

Elder Abuse Fatality Review 

Teams: A Replication Manual 

(American Bar Association, 

Commission on Law and Aging)

http://apps.americanbar.org/agin

g/publications/docs/fatalitymanua

l.pdf

Appendix F: Team 

Confidentiality Practices 

Chart & Team 

Confidentiality Forms, pp. 

108–16.

Financial Abuse Specialist 

Team Information (Los Angeles 

County Area Agency on Aging 

Financial Abuse Specialist Team)

PDF is available upon request.

WISE Senior Services 

1527 Fourth Street, 

Ste 250 

Santa Monica, CA 90401 

(310) 394-9871

Appendix: Memorandum of 

Understanding 

(consultants).

Financial Abuse Specialist 

Team Information (Los Angeles 

County Area Agency on Aging 

Financial Abuse Specialist Team)

PDF is available upon request.

WISE Senior Services 

1527 Fourth Street, 

Ste 250 

Santa Monica, CA 90401 

(310) 394-9871

Appendix: Agreement of 

Confidentiality (guests).
25 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

7. Resources from the CFPB

The CFPB Office for Older Americans has created a number of resources to help communities 

fight financial exploitation. These resources include guides for consumers and financial 

caregivers that networks can distribute in their communities. They also include manuals and 

reports for professionals who detect, report and respond to elder financial exploitation.

For older adults and their caregivers

Managing Someone Else’s Money

Millions of Americans are managing money or property for a loved one who is unable to pay bills 

or make financial decisions. To helpf financial caregivers, CFPB released four easy-tounderstand guides for:

1. AGENTS UNDER A POWER OF ATTORNEY

This guide helps family members and others understand their role as an agent under a power of 

attorney. It provides tips on making financial decisions for someone else as well as protecting 

assets from fraud and scams.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201310_cfpb_lay_fiduciary_guides_agents.pdf

2. COURT-APPOINTED GUARDIANS AND CONSERVATORS

This guide helps family members and others understand their role as a court-appointed 

guardian of the property or conservator. It provides tips on making financial decisions for 

someone else as well as protecting assets from fraud and scams.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201310_cfpb_lay_fiduciary_guides_guardians.pdf
26 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

3. TRUSTEES UNDER A LIVING TRUST

This guide helps family members and others understand their role as a trustee. It provides tips 

on making financial decisions for someone else as well as protecting assets from fraud and 

scams.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201310_cfpb_lay_fiduciary_guides_trustees.pdf

4. REPRESENTATIVE PAYEES / VA FIDUCIARIES

This guide helps family members and others understand their role when a government agency 

names them to manage someone else’s benefit payment or pension. It provides tips on making 

financial decisions for someone else as well as protecting assets from fraud and scams.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201310_cfpb_lay_fiduciary_guides_representative.pdf

For state-specific Managing Someone Else's Money guides for Florida, Oregon and Virginia see: 

consumerfinance.gov/managing-someone-elses-money/

You have the right to be free from scams (10x14 placemat)

Placemat with consumer protection tips. For use in meal delivery services or congregate care 

facilities or to share with friends and family.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201605_cfpb_meals-on-wheels-placemat.pdf

Planning for diminished capacity and illness

Consumer advisory and investor bulletin to help consumers understand the potential impact of 

diminished capacity on their ability to make financial decisions and to encourage them to plan 

for possible diminished financial capacity well before it happens.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201505_cfpb_consumer-advisory-and-investor-bulletinplanning-for-diminished-capacity-and-illness.pdf 
27 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

For professionals

Protecting residents from financial exploitation — A manual for assisted 

living and nursing facilities 

This manual helps staff of long-term care facilities prevent, recognize, and report elder financial 

exploitation. The guide features a detailed list of warning signs of financial abuse and a model 

protocol that facilities can use to protect older adults. Family caregivers and service providers 

can learn about preventing financial exploitation of vulnerable older facility residents.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201406_cfpb_guide_protecting-residents-from-financialexploitation.pdf

Managing Someone Else’s Money – Tips and templates for replication

CFPB is creating state-specific Managing Someone Else's Money guides for six states - Arizona, 

Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon and Virginia. For professionals in the other 44 states and the 

territories, this pamphlet explains how to adapt the guides for your state in ten easy steps. 

Templates in Word format expedite the adaptation process.

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/managing-someone-elses-money/

For financial institutions

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Interagency Guidance on Reporting Financial 

Abuse of Older Adults

Guidance for banks and other financial services providers clarifying that reporting suspected 

elder financial exploitation to appropriate authorities does not generally violate the privacy 

provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, a federal law.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201309_cfpb_elder-abuse-guidance.pdf
28 CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU 

Recommendations and report for financial institutions on preventing and 

responding to elder financial exploitation

Advisory and report for banks and credit unions on how they can better protect older consumers 

from financial abuse.

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201603_cfpb_recommendations-and-report-for-financialinstitutions-on-preventing-and-responding-to-elder-financial-exploitation.pdf