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This article discusses the techniques and clinical considerations in using elder abuse screening tools and referral protocol recently developed by The Benjamin Rose Institute and a multidisciplinary statewide roundtable for Ohio service providers. Various constructs of abuse on these tools are matched with case situations to demonstrate the practitioner's clinical decision-making process with reference to identifying abuse and selecting an appropriate referral source. In addition, clinical limitations and ethical dilemmas for practitioners in application of the tools and referral protocol are considered. KEYWORDS. Clinical practice, assessment, problem identification, elder abuse

This article describes the evaluation processes employed in the Ohio project to develop and test screening tools and referral protocols on elder abuse and domestic violence. Three focus groups and a Roundtable of experts were utilized to develop the materials in the first year. In the second year, a formal quantitative evaluation that involved 160 practitioners in Ohio was implemented to review the materials and to use them with clients. Findings from the quantitative evaluation were incorporated to make changes that led to a final document that was much simpler, less lengthy, and more relevant to beginning practitioners. KEYWORDS. Evaluation of tools and protocol, focus groups, quantitative methods

Screening Tools and Referral Protocol for Stopping Abuse Against Older Ohioans: A Guide for Service Providers (STRP) represents the product of an 18 month project aimed at improving the identification and reporting of elder abuse and domestic violence in late life. This article presents each component of STRP, describing it in detail and suggesting when and how it can be used. Recommendations also are offered for the replication of STRP in other locales as well as for its further evaluation. (Full set of materials including Appendices can be obtained from The Benjamin Rose Institute.) KEYWORDS. Elder abuse, domestic violence in late life, screening tools, referral protocols