Join The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence and the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence for a 2-part webinar series that will highlight valuable tools and strategies for addressing elder abuse and safety in AANHPI communities.

Session 1: Supporting AANHPI Elders in Healthcare Settings Date: June 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. (PST) / 12 p.m. (MST) / 1 p.m. (CST) / 2 p.m. (EST) for 60 mins

This session will share practical, healing-centered strategies for healthcare providers to prevent and respond to elder abuse in AANHPI communities. Panelists will discuss the role of healthcare providers in using culturally responsive universal education and the importance of building partnerships with local community organizations for holistic support.

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center (UpEAC) at Lifespan is holding two professional training opportunities in June in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)!

This first opportunity will be an online (via Zoom) Elder Abuse 101 webinar. This event can be useful to any professionals who work with older adults; whether it’s a new topic or just a refresher.

This training is FREE but registration is required.

LMSW and LCSWs can earn 1 CEU for attending this online event. ASL interpreting available upon request (requests are made through registration or e-mailing tsiebert@lifespan-roch.org and must be made one week prior to event date).

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Webinars: LGBTQI+ Communities & Engagement Series

This interactive webinar series provides a foundation to understanding the impact of gender-based violence on LGBTQI+ communities. It is recommended to attend all 4 if possible as the information builds from the previous webinars.

When working with LGBTQI+ survivors who have experienced gender-based violence and other forms of trauma, it is important to have the right tools and skills to help them heal & build resilience.

Each year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) brings together policymakers, APS workers, advocates, financial institutions, social service organizations, media, and individuals from around the world to recognize and confront the growing global issue of elder abuse.

 In honor of this important day, National Adult Protective Services Association’s (NAPSA’s) Regional Representative Advisory Board is proud to host a special event highlighting the critical work of Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals and their allied partners. Additionally, the Heroes of Adult Protection filmmakers will kick the event off and provide an update on their very important project supporting the field of APS! 

Join the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day webinar, highlighting key findings from the FTC’s 2024 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, which reported over $2.3 billion in losses for older consumers. The consequences of financial fraud can be profoundly devastating, both financially and emotionally, particularly for older adults. This webinar will examine the data to identify common scams and trends, explore the impacts of fraud, and discuss effective strategies for prevention and recovery.

The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is pleased to announce this informational webinar. It is for all victim services professionals and will describe upcoming law and policy changes related to Fair Access to Victim Compensation. Attendees will learn more about what service providers can expect from OVS over the coming months, and attendees will also get a preview of the new victim services online portal.

An Albany Guardian Society online class, for caregiving/professionals.

Join Ilse from Lifespan and learn how to recognize and respond to abuse while supporting the well-being of older adults. Join in promoting awareness and action, especially in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15).

National Adult Protective Services Association’s (NAPSA’s) Research to Practice (R2P) series

This presentation will cover the development, implementation, and evaluation outcomes of a collaboration between Adult Protective Services and Forensic Accountants. This collaboration was designed to enhance data collection, support case finding determinations, and enhance reporting to law enforcement Strategies, challenges, successes, and next steps will be discussed. 

PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

Jason Burnett, PhD, is an Associate Professor with the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston and Director of the Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute. Dr. Burnett has been conducting research in elder mistreatment and self-neglect since 2005. His work includes studying risk factors, designing and evaluating interventions to address mistreatment and self-neglect, developing, and evaluating public health programs for addressing the needs of agencies working to provide the evidence-based services to older adults experiencing mistreatment or self-neglect. Dr. Burnett is currently the Director of the UTHealth Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute and the Director of the Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN).

Angela Medina has 25 years of experience in adult protective services (APS), where she held a variety of roles, including casework, supervision, quality assurance, policy development, and program leadership. Prior to retiring in October 2024, she served as the Director of Policy and Performance Management for Texas APS. Angela played a key role in several Texas APS initiatives, including the implementation of a structured decision-making model, the redesign of casework practice processes, and a grant-funded project that involved collaboration between APS, academic researchers, and forensic accounting experts to strengthen financial exploitation investigations. Angela is committed to strengthening APS programs by enhancing policy knowledge and supporting APS professionals in their efforts to protect and advocate for vulnerable adults.  

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Webinars: LGBTQI+ Communities & Engagement Series

This interactive webinar series provides a foundation to understanding the impact of gender-based violence on LGBTQI+ communities. It is recommended to attend all 4 if possible as the information builds from the previous webinars.

Gender-based violence occurs in all communities, but survivors in the LGBTQI+ community have unique experiences. Participants will gain a broad understanding of sexual violence and trafficking. Participants will also explore the unique ways power and control dynamics play out in LGBTQI+ relationships, its impact on survivors, and ways to support survivors and help them access resources.

The National Adult Protective Services (NAPSA) Monthly Scam Advice Forum

What to expect:

Ken Westbrook from Stop Scams Alliance will address the rapid rise in scams perpetrated by transnational criminal gangs. Overseas scammers steal hundreds of billions from US consumers each year. This presentation will explore both the current threat landscape as well as ways other countries have adopted policies to fight back. Both the British and Australian governments report declines in scam losses, while US losses are soaring. What accounts for the difference in approaches and results?

 Speaker:

Ken Westbrook is Founder and CEO of Stop Scams Alliance, a nonprofit whose mission is to significantly reduce scams in the United States through a comprehensive, systemic approach involving public-private partnership and cross-sector cooperation from technology, telecom, financial institutions, consumer advocacy groups, and government. The focus is to stop scams at the source, before they reach the consumer in the first place. Ken served as an executive in the Intelligence Community (IC), specializing in analysis and information management. He received numerous IC awards and subsequently held senior positions with two Fortune 500 software firms, co-invented a patented security technology, and created and taught a course in Information Management at Georgetown University.

Sponsored by Lifespan, University of Rochester Aging Institute, and Alzheimer’s Association

Following a 12-Step Recovery plan usually has three tenets: stop using your drug of choice, go to meetings, and get a sponsor. As we age however, we need to expand our skill set to deal with the risks of chronic disease and dementia. It’s time for Recovery programs to incorporate a wider lens to help women understand better how to take care of our bodies and our brains.  This FREE virtual education experience for women in recovery will explain the “Wheels Of Health” while focusing specifically on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. By incorporating these healthy strategies into recovery plans and aligning with others doing the same, women can improve their own health while they reimagine the future of 12-Step Recovery for generations of women to follow. 

Offered as part of Lifespan’s May “Information and Inspiration” Series

This workshop is geared towards professionals to raise awareness of ageism, understand its negative impacts, and explore effective strategies for creating more inclusive and age-friendly environments.
*Social work CEUS available.
NOTE: This workshop is being offered online, via Zoom. Zoom link will be provided to you via email upon registration.

You can also register by calling Lifespan’s workshop registration line at 585-244-8400 ext. 201. You will be instructed to leave a voicemail.

Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers - #SW-0089.

Please join the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California for an Advancing Guardianship Practice webinar, featuring the introduction of the Judicial Guardianship Worksheet and the Less Restrictive Alternatives (LRA) to Guardianship Guide.

Why Attend?

• Learn about recent research fostering innovation in guardianship approaches.

• Understand how the new Judicial Guardianship Worksheet helps guide decision-making in probate courts.

• Explore the new Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) Guide, a practical tool for exploring alternatives to guardianship.

• Leave with a toolkit to support better practices in guardianship of older adults.

Who is this webinar for?

• Appropriate for judicial officers, examiners, investigators, guardians ad litem, court-appointed attorneys, and law clerks.

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative Webinar Series

Please join us to learn about Family Court Orders of Protection. Our discussion will include case examples specific to elder abuse victims.

Presenters:

Amy Schwartz-Wallace, Esq. Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Empire Justice Center

Sarah Duval, Esq. Managing Attorney, Center for Elder Law and Justice

Join this Elder Justice Initiative Webinar to learn more about VEPT and what you can do as part of a local team to address elder abuse.

The Weill Cornell/New York-Presbyterian Hospital’s Vulnerable Elder Protection Team (VEPT) is a first-of-its-kind emergency department/hospital-based multidisciplinary team created to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. VEPT is a consultation service available 24/7 to assess, treat, and ensure the safety of older victims of abuse while also collecting evidence, when appropriate, and working closely with APS and law enforcement. VEPT brings together health care professionals, law enforcement, social workers, and legal experts to provide a coordinated response to elder abuse cases.

 We will discuss—

1. Understanding the Crisis: An overview of the types of elder abuse and why a specialized team is essential.

2.  Multidisciplinary Approach: How the collaboration among various disciplines helps support effective detection, intervention, and prevention of abuse.

3. Case Studies and Success Stories: Real-world examples showcase the team’s successes in protecting vulnerable elders and providing support.

4. Implementing Best Practices: Key strategies and steps other states can take to establish similar protection teams, including legal frameworks, training, and community involvement.

5. Q&A Session: An interactive segment for participants to ask questions and discuss challenges in their communities

Speaker: Chad Mullen, Director, Financial Security, Government Affairs, AARP

Modality: Zoom

Description: This webinar is another in a series of Federal Policy Webinars that will highlight impacts of federal policy on older New Yorkers and the programs and supports we access as we age. This session will highlight the state of Social Security. We’ll hear policy updates from experts, learn more about how we might be impacted locally, and how we can continue to take action and support the critical programs and services supporting older New Yorkers.

For healthcare professionals and caregivers serving older adults in rural areas: Access to healthcare and other supportive services are critical to maintaining good health as we age, yet older adults in rural areas often face access barriers. These challenges are not often covered in health professions education. The Conference goal is to identify and mitigate the challenges of providing health care in rural areas by increasing knowledge of population health data, treatment strategies, supports and services in order to encourage and build resilience in rural caregivers and professionals.

Virtual, free event

Speakers include:

• Nora Obrien-Suric, President/CEO, Health Foundation of Western and Central NY

• Karen Madden, Director, Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development, NYS Department of Health

• Dale King, Owner, PSKC Crossfit - with discussion of the documentary Small Town Strong

• Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester

• Monica L. Ranaletta, DO, UR Medicine

• Susan Craine, LMSW, Lifespan of Greater Rochester

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) in partnership with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, is pleased to convene the fifteenth annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium, Perspectives on Aging: Strategies for Clinicians and Caregivers.

Hybrid (In-person at Woodmont Country Club, Virtual via Zoom)

Join leading physicians and healthcare professionals for an inclusive and dynamic day of education as we explore the factors that contribute to healthy aging. 

CESLC is in the process of applying for continuing education credit for social workers, nurses and assisted living managers.

Morning Keynote Speaker: Allison Gilbert, Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Kickstarting Connection: Insights and Wisdom from Dr. Ruth’s Final Book

Luncheon Speaker: Susan Pinker, award-winning author, journalist and psychologist

Join Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan (UpEAC) for a first-of-its-kind conference addressing the rising issue of scams targeting our aging population. The conference will delve into the scope of financial exploitation, emerging threats, and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of scams on older adults.

Keynote Speaker: Peter Lichtenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, WSU Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, Wayne State University

EXPERT SPEAKERS & PANELISTS FROM: American Association of Retired Persons, Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, New York State Office of Victim Services, New York State Office for the Aging, New York State University at Albany, Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Reliant Federal Credit Union

Where: Marriot Albany, 189 Wolf Rd., Albany NY 12205

$50 per person. Space is limited. Lunch is provided. Register by April 16, 2025

For more information contact: Emily Rozek, erozek@lifespanrochester.org, 585-244-8400 ext. 144

Speakers:

• Kate MacKenzie, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Food Policy

• Salaam Bhatti, Esq., SNAP Director, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

Modality: Zoom

Moderator:

• Kim Lerner, LMSW, Director of Benefits Outreach Program, LiveOn NY

Description: Join LiveOn NY for the next in our series of Federal Policy Webinars that highlight the impacts of federal policy on older New Yorkers and the programs and supports we access as we age. In this session, we'll be joined by food security experts to discuss decisions that are being made about nutrition and food access at the federal level, how they will likely impact us locally, and how we can take action to advocate for critical aging programs and services in New York.

Presented by the World Health Organization (WHO)

Ageism, which is how we think (stereotypes), feel (prejudices), and act (discrimination) towards others or ourselves based on age, is harmful for our health and well-being. To stop the damage, urgent action is needed to address ageism around the world. Join this launch webinar for the new WHO Ageism Scale: a set of extensively tested metrics designed to monitor ageism levels worldwide, illuminate its drivers and consequences, and evaluate the impact of interventions aimed at reducing ageism.

By attending this webinar, you will: • Understand why a new tool to measure ageism is needed • Receive an overview of the new WHO Ageism Scale and how it was developed • Learn how to access the WHO Ageism Scale and related resources • Hear case studies and lived experiences on how the WHO Ageism Scale was implemented in diverse countries • Get guidance on how you can use the WHO Ageism Scale in your own work • Participate in an interactive Q&A session with WHO representatives and lead researchers

This webinar is for: • Researchers, academics, and statisticians working in ageing, equity, human rights, or other related fields • Policy makers and government officials • Civil society organizations • Health and care professionals • Anyone who is interested in addressing ageism and creating #AWorld4AllAges

Other details you should know:

• The webinar will be held on Zoom, in English

• By registering, you will receive all our communications related to the WHO Ageism Scale, including future resources and materials

Topic: Supporting Older Immigrant New Yorkers

Speaker: Erica Priscilla Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI, CEO & Founder, Sandoval CoLab

Modality: Zoom

Description: In this roundtable, Erica will provide us with culturally humble and trauma-informed guidance on how we can best support older immigrant New Yorkers navigate the anxiety, fear, and trauma they may be experiencing. We’ll open with an introductory 15-minute presentation, followed by a guided discussion. We’ll close out with a toolkit and provide ways for attendees to connect for more resources.

The National Adult Protective Services (NAPSA) Monthly Scam Advice Forum

WHAT TO EXPECT: Carla Sanchez-Adams, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, will discuss the current legal remedies available for victims of payment fraud in the U.S., including a discussion on the gaps in existing laws and the variability of remedies based on the payment method type.

This forum will be recorded.

SPEAKER: Carla Sanchez-Adams is a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) focusing on emerging issues in banking and payment systems, fintech, and high-cost lending. Carla is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Consumer and Commercial Law, is a board member for the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She serves as a Member of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Texas State Bar’s Consumer and Commercial Law Section’s Council.

In honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the Crime Victims Legal Network (CVLN) Team at Empire Justice Center is hosting a webinar on how public benefits can help domestic violence victims and other victims of crime.
Victims of crime, especially victims of domestic violence, may need financial resources and support to recover from crime or to leave an abusive partner. This webinar is a general overview of public benefits available to low-income New Yorkers. It will include a review of: a) the different types of public benefits including cash assistance, SNAP, HEAP, and child care; b) the basic eligibility rules; c) the application process and special rules for victims of crime; and d) issue spotting using case examples and hypotheticals.

Presenters: Susan Antos, Managing Attorney, Empire Justice Center Haley Kulakowski, Supervising Staff Attorney, Empire Justice Center

The Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative Webinar Series

Please join us to get a refresher on what Article 81 guardianship is (and isn't) with a deeper dive into how judges decide whether someone is "incapacitated." Learn about 1) how guardianship can be a tool to address elder abuse; 2) its limitations; and 3) the legal requirement for its use to be the last resort to address risk of harm. Some elder abuse scenarios in the context of guardianship will also be discussed.

Presenter: Deena Schwartz, Esq. Director of NYS Guardianship Initiatives, Project Guardianship

The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Monthly Scam Advice Forum

The topic for March is “SIM Swap Attacks”

Cybercriminals are hijacking phone numbers to bypass security, access financial accounts, and steal identities. This presentation will break down how SIM swap attacks happen, the devastating consequences for victims, and the latest law enforcement efforts to combat this growing threat. Featuring a real case study, we’ll dive into an actual investigation to reveal how these crimes unfold—and how you can protect yourself.

This forum will not be recorded.

SPEAKER:

Special Agent Daniel Latham has served with the FBI since 2016, beginning in Los Angeles with complex financial crime investigations before shifting to cybercrime. His work has focused on SIM swaps, malware, and computer intrusions, including leading the FBI’s Qakbot malware takedown in August 2023.

Join NYSCADV (New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence) for the 2025 Annual Membership Meeting on Monday, March 10, at the Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Designed to provide: (1) a forum for programs from across the state to network and get a state-wide perspective on domestic violence services, (2) professional and organizational development opportunities for domestic violence advocates, and (3) an overview of NYSCADV's 2023 activities and plans for the upcoming year.

AGENDA:

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Registration & Networking Breakfast

10:00 AM -10:40 AM Welcome & Board Business Meeting

10:40 AM - 12:00 PM NYSCADV Updates

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Networking Lunch (Provided by NYSCADV)

1:00 PM - 1:10 PM Regroup Activity

1:10 PM - 1:55 PM Leadership Experiences in Times of Uncertainty Panel featuring Margarita Guzman, Shayne Morris, Kameeza Nizan-Chattoo, Tiffany Pavone 

1:55 PM - 2:15 PM Resilience in Times of Uncertainty - Mellissa Schulz

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Facilitated Discussion

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Closing Remarks

3:30 PM Adjournment

To learn more about each presenter, including their background and the expertise they'll be bringing to the event, please click here to meet the presenters.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) Office for Older Americans is offering new webinars on protecting older adults from financial exploitation.

In government imposter scams, criminals contact consumers pretending to be from government agencies. This webinar will look at how to help older adults spot, avoid, and report these scams. The webinar will feature experts from the Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) Office for Older Americans is offering new webinars on protecting older adults from financial exploitation.

Many people are socially isolated and regularly feel lonely, according to the National Institutes of Health. Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and loneliness due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older, including: hearing, vision, and memory loss; disability; trouble getting around; and the loss of family and friends.

Researchers who study elder abuse are finding that loneliness and dissatisfaction with personal relationships, along with an increase in digital technology usage, has significantly increased vulnerability to scams and other forms of elder financial exploitation.

The webinar will feature emerging research, as well as innovative programs, which shed light on interventions that may protect older adults from financial exploitation.