HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is ramping up its efforts to protect older adults across the Commonwealth, introducing new multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) aimed at tackling complex protective services cases more effectively.
During a recent learning session with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Network, the Department detailed plans to strengthen community-level protections. The event brought together representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and 27 AAAs covering every region of the state.
Under the leadership of Secretary Jason Kavulich, the Department is adopting an MDT approach already in use in states such as New York and California. The teams combine expertise from social services, law enforcement, mental health, healthcare, finance, and public health to ensure swift, coordinated responses to elder abuse and exploitation.
“We are proud of the work we are doing at the state level to ensure protection of older adults at the community level,” Kavulich said. He emphasized the importance of supporting AAAs so they can deliver timely, person-centered assistance that prioritizes victims’ needs.
Attorney General Dave Sunday praised the initiative, noting the growing threat to older Pennsylvanians from scams and exploitation. “Older Pennsylvanians are targeted every day by scammers and other bad actors trying to exploit them,” Sunday said. “I commend our partners at the Department of Aging, and all of our collaborators from varying professions, for everyone’s hard work towards this common mission.”
Rebecca May-Cole, executive director of the PA Association of Area Agencies on Aging, highlighted the promise of MDTs to focus resources efficiently. “The MDT model offers an exciting opportunity for counties and regions to focus resources in an efficient, effective way to benefit the older adults we serve,” she said.
The new strategy coincides with Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget, which includes $2 million to strengthen oversight and accountability of AAAs, along with an additional $20 million investment to help agencies continue delivering critical services to seniors.
To further enhance transparency, the Department has implemented the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE). Earlier this year, for the first time, the Department began publishing AAA performance results online, reflecting a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.
Pennsylvania’s network of 52 AAAs serves all 67 counties, helping older adults remain safe, healthy, and independent in their communities. With the expanded use of MDTs and renewed investment in oversight, the state aims to build a stronger safety net for its aging population.
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