AGENCY TESTIMONY
Elder Crime Victims Resource Center (ECVRC) and its services
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156 sec
The Elder Crime Victims Resource Center (ECVRC) is a key component of NYC Aging's efforts to support older adults who are victims of crime, including fraud and scams. The center provides a range of services and coordinates with law enforcement agencies.
- ECVRC was established through an MOU between NYC Aging and NYPD
- The center receives referrals from NYPD for elder abuse and crime cases
- Services include counseling, safety planning, court accompaniment, and legal assistance
- ECVRC coordinates with district attorneys and local law enforcement when appropriate
Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez
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For example, in 2022, we developed a memorandum of understanding and MOU with the New York police department to enhance our collaboration in Chinatown and Manhattan North, ensuring a coordinated response to elder abuse and crimes.
0:15:39
The MOU allows for NYPD to refer specific cases to NYC Aging through the Elder Crime Victims Resource Center known as ECVRC, and I call it the Resource Center.
0:15:52
So that we can contact those older adults and pursue a greater degree of service and support for older adult victims.
0:16:00
Not all cases which are referred are specifically for fraud or victims of scabs, But those types of referral do tend to happen and are on the increase.
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In FY 2024, there were 1342 referrals for Grant Larson.
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As part of the MOU.
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While Grand Lostomy is the only category which fraud and scams may occur, is not the only category, where fraud and scam may occur for older adults.
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There is a higher instance.
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Of major crime category, where the referral to the NYC has become a scam or a financial fraud against the older adults.
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And I want to take this opportunity to introduce Molly Bernstein, who is the director of our elder senior director of our elder resource CrimeBeat Resource Center, who's done an exceptional job in pulling together that those services in that unit.
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Additionally, NYC Aging is placing an increased focus on the victim's side of these issues.
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Offering resources and assistance to help individuals regain their independence and feel less alone what might be during an incredible, stressful time.
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When an older adult becomes comes to the resource center to seek services or complete an an intake.
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They may also be connected to the 8 elder justice programs across the 5 boroughs.
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If their fraud case was also a case of elder abuse, these programs support survivors and their families when they are victims of abuse.
0:17:38
Well, not all crimes are referred or related to as elder fraud, The types of service an older adult may receive are include counseling, safety planning, court accompaniment, legal assistance, education, and coordination with the district attorney, and local law enforcement when appropriate.
