A 2011 initiative of the Center for Elder Justice & Policy with support from the Stevens Square Foundation Financial Abuse Specialist Team

FAST? It’s not one of those New Year’s resolution diet schemes.

FAST? It’s not about being glued (holding fast).

FAST If you’re thinking speed, there’s a connection.

FAST Fiduciary Abuse Specialist Team or Financial Abuse Specialist Team Generally county oriented Some do case consultation only. Some do consultation and intervention. Some are composed solely of county staff. Many have extensive professional volunteer involvement. Some provide consultation and training to wider audiences (e.g. health care providers).

A first in Minnesota Early models developed in California – LA County and Santa Clara County Hennepin County is project focus The spark: Carla Hagen, Hennepin County Attorney, prosecutes financial exploitation cases Grant: Stevens Square Foundation Project timeline: January 1 – September 30, 2011 Project Director: Iris C. Freeman, CEJP Research Assistant: Rachel Bakke, WMCL student

Phase 1: January & February Work with Hennepin County officials to assure that the FAST will be designed to fit contemporary and emerging needs. Publicize project through VAJP and other networks. Hire student research assistant. Research existing models, their planning, operations, and evaluation components. Research confidentiality, ethics, and liability issues affecting FAST operations.

Phase 1: January & February Develop charge to planning group and overall work plan. Outreach to establish advisory planning group We are seeking advice from the public and private sectors. Adult Protective Services and Ombudsman Law Enforcement and Prosecutors State and federal input (DHS, FBI, FTC) Geriatrician, geropsychologist Bankers, bank investigators, other financial services regulators Guardians…insurance experts…many more

Phase 2: March – August Conduct 6 monthly meetings to develop a blueprint for the FAST, and reach agreement on Decide on a model: Roles and functions of a Hennepin County FAST (March) Recruitment (who should be on the FAST), terms of service, orientation, types of cases that will be addressed (April) Operations: regular meetings? emergency consultations? other roles? (May) Leadership and resources – what does it take to carry this on for the long haul? (June)

Phase 2: March - August The agenda for July is “loose ends from the prior four meetings.” Just guessing, of course. Determine the kinds of policies and record-keeping that will be necessary; planning for evaluation (August)

Phase 3: September Reach a formal commitment and memoranda of understanding as necessary based on decisions reached at the planning meetings. Circulate documents for signatures. Publicize the establishment of MN’s first FAST. Final report to Stevens Square Foundation And if, despite best efforts, the project does not result in a FAST, the project team will prepare a full report on work done, barriers encountered, and alternative means to strengthen the county’s ability to detect and respond to financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

The possibilities Santa Clara County’s FAST Team has reports that they have recovered and/or prevented the loss of $127 million. (Malks, May 16, 2006). Real property$79,417,800 Liquid assets$27,360,508 Stocks, bonds$10, Restitution/recovery/$ 9,964,319 settlement The sum = $127,087,196