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HHS Administration for Community Living websites devoted to supporting Elder Justice

This site is being reviewed and updated as needed to comply with President Trump's executive orders.

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<h2 style="text-align:center;">APS Technical Assistance&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="text-align:center;">Resource Center</h2>

Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center logos

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<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td style="width:150px;"><img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Webinars_large_121bf53bdf.png" alt="Webinars icon" srcset="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/thumbnail_Webinars_large_121bf53bdf.png 137w," sizes="100vw"></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><h1>Webinars</h1>Webinars are offered throughout the year on hot topics in adult protective services. For additional past webinars, please visit the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@apstarc">APS TARC YouTube channel</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;

<h2>Latest</h2>

8/7/2025The intended audience for this webinar is state APS program and IT staff responsible for compiling and submitting NAMRS data. In 2026, the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) will turn 10 years old. Join us to review where we've been and where we're going. We will discuss what you can do to improve the quality and completeness of your future data submissions, what data elements are being prioritized, and how to work toward submitting case-level data if you are not already.&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/SLIDES_Improving_the_Quality_and_Completeness_of_Your_NAMRS_Submission_37c467c2a7.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 3MB</li></ul> Presenters:<ul><li>Andrew Capehart, Director, APS TARC</li><li>Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, APS TARC</li><li>Leslie McGee, Senior Research Associate/SME</li></ul>&nbsp;

Improving the Quality and Completeness of Your NAMRS Submission

8/7/2025This webinar is a practical, person-centered training that explores how to support decision-making for older adults and adults with disabilities. Participants will learn about the benefits of advanced planning, the role of decisional supports, and alternatives to guardianship that help people retain control over their lives. The training includes a real-world example and highlights simple supportive strategies that promote autonomy and independence.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/Whose_Decision_Is_It_Anyway_FINAL_ADA_3bb36e7180.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 546 KB</li></ul> Presenters:<ul><li>Sara Planthaber, JD, MSW, Aging Services Program Specialist, ACL</li><li>Pamela Teaster, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., NREMT, Professor &amp; Director, Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech</li><li>Michelle Gayette, Senior Research Associate/SME</li></ul>&nbsp;

Whose Decision is it Anyway?

7/25/2025This webinar explores Adult Protective Services (APS) best practices for identifying, assessing, and responding to hoarding situations among older adults and adults with disabilities. Participants will learn how to balance safety concerns with respect for autonomy, apply harm reduction strategies, and engage in collaborative, trauma-informed interventions. The session will also highlight risk concerns, engagement techniques, and the importance of person-centered planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/APS_TARC_Presentation_APS_Responses_to_Hoarding_Fo_ADA_9bff6a8698.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 871 KB</li></ul> Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Chris Dubble, Pursuit of Discovery Training &amp; Consultation, CEO &nbsp;</li></ul>

APS Responses to Hoarding: Safety, Support, and Harm Reduction 

7/16/2025This webinar explores the use of forensics in APS casework, expanding on the information from the soon to be published brief of the same title. Presenters discuss use of forensic centers as an innovation and best practice for APS, the research behind use of forensics in APS, and their experiences developing, implementing and working with forensic centers.&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/Forensics_Initial_Slide_Deck_FINAL_ADA_2e90a3d834.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 871 KB</li></ul> Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, APS TARC</li><li>Candace Heisler, Consultant and Trainer</li><li>Jason Burnett, TEAM Collaboratory, UTHealth Houston</li></ul>

The Use of Forensics in APS: Implementing a Forensic Center

6/2/2025The APS Final Rule highlights the importance of durations in APS casework, specifically including requirements for states to establish timeframes for key casework activities such as initial contact with the alleged victim, ongoing review of open cases and the length of time for completing investigations and making findings. Join the APS TARC team in a discussion of how durations impact practice, policy and client outcomes based on the findings from an analysis of initiation, investigation and case duration data from NAMRS.&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/SLIDES_Why_Durations_Matter_eacc7ed6c7.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 871 KB</li></ul> Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, APS TARC</li><li>Gila Shusterman, APS TARC</li></ul>

Why Durations Matter: A Discussion with the APS TARC

5/1/2025The APS Field Guide is a quick access point for field staff to get answers to many questions, including appropriate questions to ask during interviews for different allegations, how to document interviews within the OK APS computer system, the steps staff need to follow when obtaining a guardianship, and many others. Developed the with the assistance of supervisors from different areas of the state, APS Leadership, and technology experts, the APS Field Guide is a tool intended to help standardize the investigatory process for new hires and seasoned staff, and free up supervisors’ time for developing staff, going to the field with staff, and working on community partner relationships.This webinar includes content from the video located at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDA3_5982h8</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ehc.acl.gov/uploads/May_2025_Webinar_OK_APS_Field_Guide_ADA_f277d37282.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 871 KB</li></ul> Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Courtney Fox, Oklahoma Human Services</li><li>Reza Zeinalpour, Oklahoma Human Services</li><li>Stacie Tolson, Oklahoma Human Services</li></ul>

The OK APS Field Guide: A Tool for APS Leadership, Supervisors, and Field Staff

12/12/2024This webinar focuses on the definitions section of both the APS Regulation and the CMS Access Rule and will discuss how state Medicaid units are implementing the CMS Access Rule and what opportunities there are for APS programs.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Livewith_ACL_12_24_3b97247ac6.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 2 MB</li></ul> Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Stephanie Whittier Eliason, Director, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, Administration for Community Living</li><li>Andrea Callow, Program Analyst, Office for Policy Analysis and Development, Administration for Community Living</li><li>Nicole Watts, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, Administration for Community Living</li></ul>

LIVE with ACL:  APS Final Rule Adult Maltreatment Definitions and Coordination with State Medicaid Offices

11/19/2024Caretaker neglect is the second most common type of abuse nationally, and in Utah almost three quarters (74%) of caretaker neglect investigations result in an inconclusive finding. Practitioners from Utah APS are collaborating with researchers at Benjamin Rose to test a case management intervention with APS clients and their reported caregivers after APS closes a case as being inconclusive. Care coordinators conduct a needs assessment and offer services and supports over the phone for a four-month period. The goal of the project is to improve client and caregiver outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, need for help, new reports to APS). Preliminary data from a sample of 37 APS clients and 31 caregivers will be presented, including case studies. Discussion will focus on the impact and implications of offering case management to APS clients and caregivers at case closure in cases of caretaker neglect. Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Courtney Reynolds, MA, MSSA, LSW, Senior Research Analyst I, Benjamin Rose</li><li>Samantha E. Tuft, PhD, Research Analyst, Benjamin Rose</li><li>Farida Ejaz, PhD, LISW-S, Senior Research Scientist II, Benjamin Rose</li><li>Tiffany Conway, BA, Case Specialist, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Adult Services, Adult Protective Services</li></ul>

Care Coordination at APS Case Closure: A Promising Practice for Caretaker Neglect?

This is an APS Final Rule webinar that explores effective planning strategies. Featuring two planning worksheets to assist APS programs, this webinar delves into the importance of planning for projects for the 2028 APS Final Rule implementation now.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Live_with_ACL_Webinar_1_ACL_slides_ed13fcb5f5.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 770 KB</li><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Federal_vs_State_Comparison_Worksheet_49dff0c2e5.dotx">Federal Regulations and State Program Comparison Worksheet</a> PDF | 282 KB</li><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/HANDOUT_APS_F_Inal_Rule_Next_Steps_PDF_174e1a9e79.pdf">APS Final Rule Next Steps Worksheet</a> PDF | 239 KB</li><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/HANDOUT_Final_Rule_Next_Steps_Worksheet_WORD_5f32875616.docx">APS Final Rule Next Steps Worksheet</a> DOCX | 166 KB</li><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Strategy_Communicator_508_ee708b1f6b.xlsx">Strategy Communicator</a> XLSX | 41 KB</li></ul>Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Erin Kee, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services</li><li>Michael Bischoff, Strategy/Strategic Planning Subject Matter Expert, APS TARC</li><li>Jennifer Kirchen, Senior Research Associate, APS TARC</li></ul>

LIVE with ACL: APS Final Rule

Over the last two years, the APS TARC has developed a new tool (and toolkit) to help APS programs understand, project, and manage their workload needs. &nbsp;This webinar reviews the result of our work and provided an opportunity for questions and answers. &nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Workload_Tool_Workshop_Webinar_FINAL_74beb49b16.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 1 MB</li></ul>Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, APS TARC</li></ul>

Overview of the New APS Workload Tool

The recently released adult protective services regulations include a requirement for programs to have an online portal, secured email address, or other online method for receiving reports of adult maltreatment. Join staff from the Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) and the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) for a presentation on promising practices for designing and implementing online reporting systems. The presentation will include a discussion of the benefits and challenges of web reporting and lessons the presenters learned in creating online reporting systems at the county and state levels.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Online_Reporting_Webinar_ADA_eb0dfc378d.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 3 MB</li></ul>Presenters:&nbsp;<ul><li>Mary McGurran, LSW, Adult Protection Manager, MN Department of Human Services&nbsp;</li><li>Margie Aranda, MAARC Operations Manager, MN Department of Human Services&nbsp;</li><li>Donae Sturdivant, MAARC Contract Administrator, MN Department of Human Services&nbsp;</li><li>Andrew Capehart, Director, APS TARC&nbsp;</li></ul>

Things to Consider in Creating an Effective Online Reporting System

6/04/2024Don't throw that old operational plan away! Turn old into new - reuse, renew, refresh, and recycle! This webinar is for state APS program staff who are responsible for updating ACL formula grant operational plans (OP) for anticipated ongoing appropriations through 2028. The objectives of the webinar are: 1) review the strategic planning knowledge imparted in the 2021 webinars; 2) review tools used in OP development, ongoing support, and engagement of stakeholders; and 3) focus on forward thinking regarding long-term investments and how the APS TARC can assist in supporting APS programs.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Op_Plans_Refresh2024_de3f80d9c0.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 3 MB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Erin Kee, ACL Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services</li><li>Jennifer Kirchen, Senior Research Associate/Subject Matter Expert, APS TARC</li><li>Michael Bischoff, Strategy/Strategic Planning Subject Matter Expert, APS TARC &nbsp;</li></ul>

Reuse, Renew and Refresh:  2024 Operational Plans

5/23/2024It is estimated that at least one in four older adults is living with a mental health condition. The impact of these conditions will range in severity, depending on the person and the diagnosis. Still, it will often affect most aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, relationships, and their ability to care for themselves. APS frequently becomes involved with cases involving mental health, and workers often describe these situations as particularly challenging. In this webinar, participants will gain a better understanding of the most common mental health disorders for older adults and how the symptoms may impact their cases. This webinar will provide strategies for APS professionals on how they can adapt their communication and case planning to better accommodate people who are experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_M_Hand_Older_Adults_330be47e63.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 3 MB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Katie Wilson, MS, Lead Instructional Designer, National APS Training Center &nbsp;</li></ul>

Mental Health and Older Adults: What APS Needs to Know

5/21/2024Join the Administration for Community Living, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, for an interactive question and answer session about the APS final rule regulations. More information on the final rule is available at <a href="https://acl.gov/APSrule">acl.gov/APSrule</a>.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Regulations_Q_and_A_a167618ba3.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 595 KB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Kari Benson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living&nbsp;</li><li>Stephanie Whittier Eliason, Acting Director, Office of Elder Justice &amp; Adult Protective Services, Administration for Community Living&nbsp;</li><li>Erin Kee, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, Administration for Community Living</li></ul>

APS Regulations: Q & A with ACL

4/18/2024Over the past several years, state adult protective services (APS) programs have been improving the collection and use of data to manage their programs. The complexity of APS casework means that one metric is never enough to support program improvement, transparency and quality assurance efforts.&nbsp; Consequently, states have developed data dashboards to track and share key data elements within their organizations and, in some cases, with the general public. This webinar provides perspectives and demonstrations from the APS TARC and three states, each at a different stage of implementing a data dashboard, on their experiences. Presenters will discuss their decisions on stakeholder involvement, design, functionality, content, access and use of their data dashboards.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Data_Dashboards_2cb96b1c53.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 3 MB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Karey Perez, Adult Services Section Chief, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services</li><li>Sarah Richardson, Program Administrator, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services</li><li>Reza Zeinalpour, Deputy Director of the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services</li><li>Jeromy Buchanan, Director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services</li><li>David Beacham, Operations Research Specialist, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services</li><li>Karl Urban, Sr. Research Manager, APS TARC</li></ul>

Data Dashboards: An Effective Tool for Tracking and Sharing Key Data Elements

3/18/2024This webinar discussed the three branches of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provided additional information on the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration. Attendees will learn more about who qualifies for VA benefits, how to enroll in VA health care, and services offered at VA Medical Centers. Also, you will learn more about the role of VA social workers and how to connect with a local social worker to assist you with any questions or needs.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_VA_Webinar_84ef04688e.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 1 MB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Andrea M. Berkheimer, LCSW, Medical Social Work Supervisor, James E. Van Zandt Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration</li><li>Jaime Halaszynski, LCSW, Assistant Chief, Social Work Service, Butler VA Health Care, Veterans Health Administration</li><li>Abigail Werner, Policy Liaison, Veterans Benefits Administration</li></ul>

Navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs to Best Serve Those Who Have Served

1/31/2024With each passing year since the implementation of the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting system (NAMRS) seven years ago, the completeness and utility of the data submitted to NAMRS by state APS programs has increased. Staff from the APS TARC will discuss what we have learned from the NAMRS data to date, and how recent changes to the NAMRS components will improve our collective understanding of the phenomena of adult maltreatment, and support APS program development and future research efforts.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Adult_Maltreatment_Report2022_06140eacca.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 1.96 MB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Karl Urban, Senior Research Manager, APS TARC</li><li>Leslie McGee, Senior Research Associate/Subject Matter Expert, APS TARC</li></ul>

Adult Maltreatment Report 2022: What We Know and What We Don’t

12/12/2023The final session of our scams and fraud series will feature resources on frauds and scams, including resources service providers and advocates can use to increase their knowledge, as well as resources that can be passed on to older adults or used as part of community outreach. We will highlight resources encompassing the topics covered during our series, including identifying scams and frauds, reporting to law enforcement, and monetary and emotional recovery. The presentation will also discuss how we talk about fraud and why some of the common language describing fraud can inadvertently harm victims, including by implying they are to blame for failing to identify the fraud, and our collective fraud fighting efforts, including by implying only certain people are vulnerable to fraud.<ul><li><a href="https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/SLIDES_Scamsand_Fraud_Building_Your_Toolkitof_Resources_a6925c0fd0.pdf">Slides</a> PDF | 497 KB</li></ul>Presenters:<ul><li>Jacqueline Blaesi-Freed, Assistant Director, Consumer Protection Branch, U.S. Department of Justice</li><li>Erin Kee, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</li></ul>

Scams and Fraud Webinar Series:  Building Your Toolkit of Resources

11/06/2023A little over a year ago, the APS TARC conducted the interactive session “APS Innovations Townhall on APS Language.” During that session, staff from the Administration for Community Living, the National APS Training Center, and the APS TARC facilitated a discussion on the evolution of terminology/language used in the APS field. This townhall is a continuation of that original discussion on the topic and features an interactive format where participants utilized chat and audio to respond and provide comments.

APS Innovations Townhall on APS Language – Part II

10/19/2023Within the state of California, APS’s goal is to have higher rates of consistency in APS professionals’ findings. &nbsp;Even though APS has state regulations, the 58 counties within California reported data on findings that were inconsistent. &nbsp;California concluded that these ranges far exceeded normal variations and were a reflection of inconsistent definitions and practices across counties. This webinar will dive further into the why, what, and how of this project, go over the tools that were provided to APS professionals to evaluate findings (The Guiding Principles of Consistency in Findings and California Consistency in Findings Matrix), demonstrate use of the tools including promising practices, and touch on how this project has narrowed the gap in determining findings statewide. Presenters:<ul><li>Jessica E. Burke, MPA, ASIST Suicide Prevention Specialist, APS TARC</li><li>Dawn Gibbons-McWayne, MSW, LCSW, Program Manager, APSWI, Academy for Professional Excellence, San Diego State University School of Social Work</li></ul>

Narrowing the Gap: The California Consistency in Determining Findings Project

9/22/2023The impact of fraud and scams is generally described by highlighting the amount of money transmitted from victims to perpetrators. That financial loss, even when it is devastating, only illuminates one piece of victims’ experiences. This session discusses how to identify the emotional toll taken by fraud, the range of emotions experienced by victims both immediately after the victimization and over time, and steps a service provider or advocate can be taken to improve the wellbeing of older fraud victims. We also confront, although we don’t promise to completely answer, the question of what can be done when victims are reluctant to believe they are on fraudsters’ hook. The presentation addresses how we talk about fraud and why some of the common language describing fraud can inadvertently harm victims, including by implying they are to blame for failing to identify the fraud, and our collective fraud fighting efforts, including by implying only certain people are vulnerable to fraud. This webinar is the third session in a four-part series on fraud and scams. You need not watch every part of the series, please join us for some or all!&nbsp;<ul><li>View session one, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXhghuG8ruk">Fraud Pitches: Why They Work and What You Can Do About It</a>”</li><li>View session two, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL9VIC3sirU">Reporting and Recovering Funds</a>”</li><li>Be watching for our final session on resources and prevention, which is slated for December</li></ul> Presenters:<ul><li>Ali Chiu, Lead Supervisor of Consultative Services, Elder Abuse Prevention (EAP), Institute on Aging&nbsp;</li><li>Rachel Gibson, M.S., Director, Center for Victim Service Professionals, The National Center for Victims of Crime&nbsp;</li><li>Lauren Vumbaco, U.S. Postal Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service</li></ul>

Scams and Fraud: Emotional Impact and Recovery

8/31/2023This webinar provides an overview of a critical APS partnership: The network of services and providers known as the Aging Network. Funded by the Older American’s Act (OAA), under the oversight of the Administration for Community Living, the Aging Network is a vital resource in meeting the needs of APS clients. The webinar covers the basic structure, mission, and services with a discussion of the practical implications for APS programs. The Presenters, Karl Urban and Jason Wagner, have worked for the Aging Network at the state and local level, currently work on OAA projects with ACL, and will bring real world experience to the presentation. Experienced APS staff may learn something new, or have an opportunity to ask questions they need answered, and new APS staff will learn about program to help their clients. &nbsp;

A Critical APS Partner: Understanding the Aging Network

Older webinars are available on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@apstarc">APSTARC YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;