RISE Model

A new, more just, and person-centered approach to elder abuse

The RISE Model is a new approach to elder abuse designed to reduce harm, respect autonomy, and advance justice in a more holistic and flexible way than is possible given the structure of most existing systems. 

“RISE” integrates methods used in other fields and adapts them to the unique challenges and circumstances of elder abuse. The goals of using those methods (including restorative justice, motivational interviewing, teaming and supported decision-making) include to:

Repair harm – Restorative justice (Reduce harm & work toward transformational change)

Inspire change – Motivational interviewing (Help people feel that change is possible)

Support connection – Teaming (Strengthen informal and formal social supports)

Empower choice – Supported decision-making (Aid people with cognitive impairments to achieve their goals)

Factors distinguishing the RISE model from most other elder abuse interventions include that:

  • It is grounded in theory and methods in which the RISE advocates are trained

  • Advocates work not only with victims, but also (if the victim wishes) with alleged abusers, with others in their lives, and on the relationships among them

  • Advocates can stay involved in cases longer than most formal systems responders are usually able to, allowing advocates more time to build trusting relationships with and social support around victims and families

  • Advocates work in a truly client-centered way

  • Advocates are based in a community non-profit, but work alongside formal systems; and

  • Advocates’ work is part of an ongoing research project, so they and their colleagues are committed to ongoing data collection and evaluating the efficacy of their work.

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