Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams

There are many ways to establish and maintain an EA-FRT and individual EA-FRTs must adopt their own policies, procedures, and protocols to fit within their team dynamic and according to the laws of their State. Thus, this replication manual does not offer a set of step-by-step instructions on how to develop EA-FRTs, but instead offers clear guidance on the challenges and issues likely to come up in the course of establishing and maintaining an EA-FRT. Background information on the need for EA-FRTs is presented, including a discussion of the history of the concept of fatality review teams. The issues to be considered and the decisions to be made by those considering forming EA-FRTs are discussed, followed by a description of the work of EA-FRTs. The manual presents the details of conducting case reviews, collecting data, and developing reports and recommendations. The challenges of sustaining EA-FRTs are addressed, including the problem of vicarious traumatization and issues involved with determining costs and funding the team. Additional resources for EA-FRTs are identified and include references on EA-FRTs, information on the dying process, references on Domestic Violence and Child Fatality Review Teams, and resources on elder abuse. Appendixes contain sample mission statements, polices, and procedures.