Agencies join forces to fight elder abuse

by Don Reid - Coldwater Daily Reporter

BRANCH COUNTY — A joint effort is underway in Branch County to help and protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the community.

Participants signed the protocol at the new Branch County Jail Wednesday morning to use an interdisciplinary team, termed IDT, approach to address the growing number of cases of adult exploitation.

Laura Sutter, Probate Judge Kirk Kashian,
prosecutor Zack Stempien, and Sheriff John Pollack sign the new elder abuse protocol Wednesday. (Don Reid/Coldwater Daily Reporter)

Laura Sutter, director of the Area Agency on Aging Region, received a grant beginning in 2018. Since then, her program served over 100 adults, with 15 individuals investigated and helped between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31.

“That’s just our agency,” Sutter said.

With the new protocol and IDT, this number is expected to increase.

Since 2020, Branch County Elder Abuse Coalition worked to put together a joint program and protocol, but was slowed by COVID-19.

“We’ve learned communications and collaboration is the key to success,” Sutter said.

Beginning Feb. 1, all alleged complaints will be jointly reviewed by the members, the Branch County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services — Adult Protective Services, Legal Services of South-Central Michigan, the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office, Pines Behavioral Health and the AAA, a division of the Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency.

Representatives of each attendee signed onto the protocol Wednesday morning in the sheriff’s squad room.

“Many times, crimes against older or vulnerable adults are ‘silent,' not reported or talked about, and the IDT group wants that to change," Sheriff John Pollack said. "My office is in full support of the effort.”  

Pollack installed the state elder abuse reporting form on the vehicle computer so his officers can fill out reports and referrals from the scene to speed review.

Representatives of the organization's elder abuse inter-disciplinary team watch Laura Sutter, Probate Judge Kirk Kashian,
prosecutor Zack Stempien, and Sheriff John Pollack sign the new elder abuse protocol Wednesday. (Don Reid/Coldwater Daily Reporter)

Prosecutor Zachary Stempien assigned chief assistant Nora Geiger to elder abuse prevention and the prosecutor’s efforts since he took office.

“Nora has been directly involved in the coalition and protocol revision," Stempien said. "I fully support its implementation in Branch County.”

Probate Judge Kirk Kashian said his office sees numerous cases. Some were family or people who offer help, moved in, and used Social Security or other funds for their own benefit.

“We often have trouble when we ask the state Adult Protective Services to intervene,” Kashian said. 

Local APS staff are now part of the protocol to start investigations.

The IDT approach applies the specialized professional expertise from varying agencies and departments to provide a thorough and comprehensive review of each incidence of abuse involving the elderly or vulnerable adults.

Sutter said her staff helped many whom most would not consider vulnerable. People scammed over the internet or phone who send funds based on false pretenses.

“Banks have helped recover funds in many instances or stopped more from being taken,” Sutter said.

In one instance during a training, a law enforcement officer realized a technical service subscribed to online was really a scam allowing access to the officer’s computer.

AAA Director Laura Sutter
(Don Reid/Coldwater Daily
Reporter)

Sutter said, “The team will work to coordinate efforts, problem-solve, and develop positive solutions for individuals who’ve been victimized.”

Sutter said her office “will continue to support community prevention efforts as well as directly serve victims.”

Those who might suspect abuse, or need help or services for victims can contact AAA Victim Assistance Program at 517-278-2538 or visit the website www.bhsj.org/aaa.

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Agencies join forces to fight elder abuse