Endeavor is first of its kind in Virginia
With the purpose of providing an array of coordinated services for adults age 60 and over and incapacitated individuals who have been abused, neglected or exploited, the Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center began functioning November 1. The center uses an enhanced multidisciplinary team approach with members taking concrete action steps to help older and incapacitated adult clients. This regional effort comprises the cities of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and Williamsburg and the counties of York, James City, Gloucester and Isle of Wight.
Team members consist of volunteer representatives from the following agencies in each participating locality: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Department of Human Services-Adult Protective Service’s teams, law enforcement, Commonwealth’s Attorney offices, Transitions Family Violence Services, Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board, Colonial Behavioral Health, Senior Services of Southeast, the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors, and the Peninsula Agency on Aging. A geriatrician, forensic nurse, neuropsychologist and forensic accountant are also members of the team. Including the forensic accountant meets a need in the community as the region is experiencing a rise in financial exploitation cases. Through cooperation and collaboration each team member has specific responsibilities for preventing, identifying, investigating, treating, and/or remedying abuse, neglect and exploitation among adults.