Referring a Case
For Professionals
Considering a Case Referral
This page is intended for professionals considering whether to refer a case to the Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center. The PEAFC supports complex cases involving abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation of adults age 60 and older through coordinated, multidisciplinary review.
Here you will find guidance on when a case may be appropriate for referral, the benefits of bringing a case to the PEAFC, and the steps involved in the referral process.
Why Bring a Case to the PEAFC?
The PEAFC provides added support for complex cases that may benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary input. Bringing a case to the team can help clarify next steps, strengthen decision-making, and support more effective outcomes.
Coordinator Guidance
Receive guidance from the PEAFC Coordinator, even if a case is not appropriate for formal review or staffing.
Shared Case Consultation
Access multiple professionals at one time to consult on a case and receive coordinated recommendations.
Specialized Expertise
Access specialized support such as forensic accounting, legal guidance, psychological consultation, or counseling.
Added System Support
The PEAFC complements existing agency roles and does not replace ongoing case responsibility.
Case Criteria
Case Eligibility Flow
The Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center will staff cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation involving persons over the age of 60.
Cases are referred by partner agencies when they would benefit from multidisciplinary discussion and coordinated expertise..
Type of Abuse
Case of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation is in need of staffing.
High Level of Complexity
Cases with high level of complexity.
Repeat APS or Law Enforcement
Repeat APS or law enforcement involvement.
Multidisciplinary Lens
Case could benefit from multidisciplinary lens.
Submit the Referral Form
The referral form should be completed and sent to the Center Coordinator at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
Send the Referral Securely
The referral may be faxed to 757-890-3927 or emailed to info@peafc.org. Emails must be encrypted.
Coordinator Identifies Partners
The Center Coordinator will determine which partner agencies are needed for staffing and notify them of any pertinent information prior to staffing.
Case Added to Agenda
Once received, the case is added to the meeting agenda. The referring agency staffs the case and brings all relevant information, such as medical records, bank statements, and power of attorney documents.
Case Staffed and Reviewed
The case is staffed with partner agencies and may remain on the agenda for follow up and additional recommendations.
Case Referral Process
How to Refer
Partner agencies may refer cases to the Peninsula Elder Abuse Forensic Center for multidisciplinary staffing. This section outlines when to refer, what is required, and how to submit referral materials securely.
Before the staffing meeting
Step 01
Confirm the case fits Center criteria
Signals eligibility and confirmation without implying approval authority.
Step 02
Ensure APS has been notified
Represents proper procedure, protection, and compliance.
Step 03
Obtain supervisory approval
Clear visual for review and approval by leadership.
Step 04
Submit the referral form
Matches secure submission and sending of materials. You’ve already used this icon consistently.
At the staffing meeting
Step 05
Coordinator confirms participating partners
Consistent with earlier sections and clearly represents coordination.
Step 05
Bring relevant documents to staffing
Signals preparation, documentation, and readiness for review.
Knowledge. Support. Action.