The Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) is a partnership of public and private multidisciplinary professionals who volunteer their time to facilitate comprehensive services to victims of financial elder abuse. Financial abuse is in some ways a hidden crime - one that no one likes to talk about because it often involves a family member, caregiver, or trusted friend. Yet this kind of abuse can be as serious, and as life-threatening, as actual physical abuse to older adults whose health and emotional welfare is dependent on their financial resources.
FAST consultants include representatives from law enforcement, the probate court, senior services, government, health care, legal services, financial services, and real estate. These individuals meet together monthly to assist those dealing with cases of financial elder abuse in identifying procedures and providing services to assist victims of financial abuse. The FAST team assists workers from Adult Protective Services (APS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Public Guardian and local law enforcement to help seniors that are facing financial abuse.
