Elder Abuse Prevention Interventions Program - Guidance Carolina proposes a 36-month initiative to reduce adult maltreatment in Guilford County by expanding its Elder Justice Care Management (EJCM) program and formally integrating the evidence based RISE-APS model. The overarching goal is to build a client-centered adult maltreatment response system in North Carolina that bridges the gap between short-term APS crisis intervention and longer-term, coordinated care. The objectives of the project are to increase capacity by adding three full-time Elder Justice Care Managers to serve at least 640 high-risk older adults; to integrate the RISE-APS model to strengthen person led service delivery; to improve coordination across systems by embedding EJCM staff at the Guilford County Family Justice Center and partnering with APS, law enforcement, legal aid, healthcare providers, and community organizations; and to deliver individualized care plans that address client safety, housing, healthcare, and financial stability. Project staff will receive RISE-APS training and use its evidence-based tools, including motivational interviewing, teaming, supported decision-making, and structured outcome tracking, to engage clients and, when safe and appropriate, involve caregivers or alleged abusers in the process. The anticipated outcomes of the project include reduced recurrence of adult maltreatment, improved safety and more stable living conditions, increased client autonomy and decision-making, and better mental health and social connection. These outcomes will be measured through validated assessments, ongoing case tracking, and comparative analysis supported by the RISE Collaborative. The project will also contribute to national elder justice efforts through the production of outcome reports and professional presentations, offering a scalable, evidence-informed model for replication and systems change.
