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A Problem-Solving Court for Crimes Against Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • George B. Pesta

    (College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA)

  • Julie N. Brancale

    (College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA)

  • Thomas G. Blomberg

    (College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA)

Abstract

The growth of the older adult population, their wealth accumulation, and vulnerabilities from aging have contributed to increasing rates of abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation. However, the current responses and services are fragmented and ineffectual. This paper develops a novel strategy for addressing the variation in response and victim service provision through the development of a problem-solving court that is informed by the principles of restorative justice. Given the unique challenges, cases, and population, a problem-solving court for crimes against older adults will provide tailored interventions, responses, and sanctions while ensuring that older adult victims and their communities are at the center of the criminal justice process and that their needs are prioritized. Research on problem-solving courts; restorative justice; and older adult abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation are integrated with data from a case study of older adult financial exploitation in a large retirement community to develop the model problem-solving court. Consistent with best practices in victim services, the model court will provide comprehensive services in a one-stop location, while simultaneously increasing accountability for offenders who prey on this vulnerable population. The paper concludes with a plan to guide the implementation and evaluation of the proposed model problem-solving court for older adult abuse, fraud, and exploitation.

Suggested Citation

  • George B. Pesta & Julie N. Brancale & Thomas G. Blomberg, 2025. "A Problem-Solving Court for Crimes Against Older Adults," Laws, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:40-:d:1676491
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Burnes, D. & Henderson, C.R., Jr. & Sheppard, C. & Zhao, R. & Pillemer, K. & Lachs, M.S., 2017. "Prevalence of financial fraud and scams among older adults in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(8), pages 13-21.
    2. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303821a_2 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Patricia A Boyle & Lei Yu & Robert S Wilson & Keith Gamble & Aron S Buchman & David A Bennett, 2012. "Poor Decision Making Is a Consequence of Cognitive Decline among Older Persons without Alzheimer’s Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(8), pages 1-5, August.
    4. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303821_6 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Burnes, D. & Henderson, C.R. & Sheppard, C. & Zhao, R. & Pillemer, K. & Lachs, M.S., 2017. "Prevalence of Financial Fraud and Scams Among Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(8), pages 1295-1295.
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