Branch County Vulnerable Adult Protocol 2023
Friday January 13, 2023
Area Agency on Aging Region IIIC and Branch County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition signing event
The Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging (Region IIIC), in collaboration with the Branch County Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, will sign the revised and enhanced “Branch County Vulnerable Adult Protocol” on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 9:00am at the Branch County Sheriff’s Office during a special event. The new protocol uses an inter-disciplinary team approach to address the growing number of cases of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our community. The Coalition, now referred to as the Branch County IDT, includes representation from local law enforcement, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services - Adult Protective Services, Legal Services of South-Central Michigan, Branch County Prosecutor’s Office, Area Agency on Aging Region IIIC a division of the Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency, Pines Behavioral Health, and many others.
“We are pleased to have been involved in the Protocol’s revision and inclusion of the inter-disciplinary approach. Many times, crimes against older or vulnerable adults are “silent”, not reported or talked about, and the IDT group wants that to change. My office is in full support of the effort,” says Sheriff John Pollack. The Branch County Prosecutor’s Office is in full support and contributed staff time to the protocol’s revision. Zachary Stempien, Prosecutor, has been dedicated to the prevention efforts since he took office. “Nora from my office has been directly involved in the Coalition and Protocol revision and I fully support its implementation in Branch County,” says Stempien.
The IDT approach applies the specialized expertise of many different professionals from varying agencies and departments, which serves to provide a thorough and comprehensive review of each incidence of abuse involving the elderly and/or vulnerable adults. The team will work to coordinate efforts, problem-solve, and develop positive solutions for individuals who’ve been victimized.
As a compliment to the IDT in Branch County, the Area Agency on Aging Region IIIC will continue to support these community prevention efforts as well as directly serve victims of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. For more information about the Victim Assistance Program or about community supports and services, please contact our office at 517-278-2538 or visit our website www.bhsj.org/aaa.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.