This project focused on abuse and neglect of the elderly, a major problem that affects older adults, and has serious consequences for their health and welfare. • The ultimate goal of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to identification and intervention with abused elders, to suggest any changes which might be advisable, and to develop and implement a new model or models. • The objectives of the project were to: review the Mandatory Reporting Model for the and

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... to abused elders in Michigan; determine whether changes were necessary; develop a new model or models; and assess the feasibility of the new models with professional workers in private and public agencies in the state. • Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The quantitative data included information on reported cases of abuse, neglect, and endangerment from Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, collected by the Michigan Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services Department. • Case data included information from the State on the types of abuse, neglect, endangerment frequently reported; types of professionals who report the abuse; and whether or not the cases were substantiated. • Qualitative data were collected to determine the effectiveness of the current system of reporting and evaluating elder abuse cases. • Two types of qualitative data were used. First, the Michigan State Governor's Task Force on Elder Abuse Final Report was used to provide a description of the goals and objectives of the State's elder abuse assistance program. Second, focus groups were conducted with agencies, both public and private, at the local level to determine the effectiveness of the State's system for assisting abused elders. • Quantitative data on abuse cases in Michigan records were obtained during two points of time, Summer, 2006 and Winter, 2007. A total of 210 cases were included in the 3 counties studied. APS workers were able to substantiate 84.3% of the cases in the summer, and 75.9% in the winter. • Regarding the type of workers reporting, 39.0% of the cases were reported by health care providers. Mental health and social services agencies each reported 23.8% of cases. Other government agencies reported 11.4% of cases. APS workers were able to substantiate 80% of the cases, with 20% not being substantiated.