Community collaboration is critical to our work with patients. Working with NewYork-Presbyterian Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and New York City Adult Protective Services (APS), we’ve developed an innovative process for APS case workers to activate VEPT rather than calling 911 when concerned about a client’s immediate safety and/or if they believe that the client will benefit from an emergent medical or forensic exam.

We have a very close partnership with the Center for Elder Abuse Solutions (CEASe). VEPT is an active participant in New York City’s elder abuse response Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), which NYCEAC coordinates. These MDTs meet periodically to provide a streamlined and rapid response to complex elder abuse cases. VEPT commonly serves as a resource when the team finds that an older adult requires an immediate safety intervention. Also, VEPT frequently refers challenging cases to the MDTs for members’ expertise and advice on appropriate next steps. In addition, VEPT works collaboratively with NYCEAC’s Helpline for Concerned Persons, which is a very helpful resource for both elder abuse victims and family, friends, and neighbors in their lives.

Ensuring safety and caring for older adults who are victims of elder mistreatment often requires collaboration with multiple agencies and community-based organizations. VEPT has developed partnerships and collaborations with many other organizations in New York City that serve vulnerable older adults. These include:

Safe Horizon

JASA

New York City Police Department - Domestic Violence Unit

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Justice

Carter Burden Network

New York City Department for The Aging (DFTA)

Family Justice Centers

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Mobile Crisis Team