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In 2004, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Art Curtis recognized there was a growing number of cases involving the financial and physical abuse of Vulnerable Adults and a lack of an effective remedy in the form of providing services, investigating, and prosecuting such cases. Attorney Curtis decided to form a task force dedicated to addressing the shortcomings in the system. The concept was to create a multi-disciplinary team comprised of the various governmental agencies charged with the care and protection of Vulnerable Adults and give them a forum to:
1. Educate one another about the services they provide and the extent and limits of their authority.
2. Educate one another and the public about the legal and factual issues that arise in the context of Vulnerable Adult abuse.
3. Network with one another and have key, designated officials from each agency that would serve as the conduit through which information about specific cases could be passed from one agency to another, thereby better ensuring that particular cases do not "fall through the cracks."
4. Assist one another for the common goal of providing services to Vulnerable Adults, including but not limited to the possible prosecution of criminal acts committed against them.
5. Discuss remedies and solutions available to specific cases in an informal setting.
6. Enhance the overall system to protect and better meet the needs of Vulnerable Adults.
Monthly meetings of the Task Force began in the Fall of 2004. The first meetings were limited to the "core group" of agencies specifically involved with the issues concerning Vulnerable Adult abuse; law enforcment, Adult Protective Services, prosecuting attorneys, mental health workers, domestic violence workers, sexual assault workers, and developmentally disables advocates. The Task Force was unanimously and enthusiastically adopted formally at the July 2005 meeting, with all agencies agreeing to participate. It is anticipated by all members of the Task Force that by working together to educate, support, and enhance services to Vulnerable Adults, the investigation and prosecution of crimes against Vulnerable Adults will become more efficient and effective.
Special recognition is given to Jessica Dimitrov, Esq. for her diligence and determination in seeing theClark County VATF through difficult times and pressing forward with her vision of getting all relevant government agencies together to work directly and cooperatively with one another in a team effort to improve the lives of Vulnerable Adults through protection and prosecution.
