Title
a. Approve the establishment of a Monterey County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST); and,
b. Authorize the Department of Social Services to oversee implementation of the Monterey County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Memorandum of Understanding that incorporates additional members that are not part of the County governance structure.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the establishment of a Monterey County Financial Abuse Specialist Team
(FAST); and,
b. Authorize the Department of Social Services to oversee implementation of the
Monterey County Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Memorandum of
Understanding that incorporates additional members that are not part of the County
governance structure.
SUMMARY:
Financial Abuse Specialist Teams (FAST) are authorized under the Welfare and Institutions Code to coordinate effective and rapid responses in cases of financial abuse of elder and dependent adults. Currently, Monterey County has a Multi-Disciplinary Team that reviews and coordinates responses to elder and disabled adult abuse referrals, including financial abuse. The Multi-Disciplinary Team recommends establishing a FAST to better respond to and prevent financial abuse. It is also recommended that the FAST include additional local law enforcement agencies and volunteer private consultants, as permitted under California state law.
DISCUSSION:
California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 15763(a) mandates that each county shall establish an emergency response Adult Protective Services program, and that such program shall include policies and procedures to accomplish establishment of Multi-Disciplinary Teams. Section 15763(f) further authorizes each county to establish Multi-Disciplinary Teams including, but not limited to, adult protective services, law enforcement, probation departments, home health care agencies, hospitals, adult protective services staff, the publ...
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