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

Join for a webinar exploring why some older adults are more vulnerable to poor financial decisions, scams, and exploitation. There are multiple reasons why certain older adults may become poorer decision makers and consequently more vulnerable to scam, fraud, and financial exploitation. This presentation will provide an overview of research focused on financial decision making in older age, which spans neuroimaging, behavioral economics, cognitive neuroscience, and other empirical approaches.

Speaker: Duke Han, PhD, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and tenured Professor of Psychology, Family Medicine, Neurology, and Gerontology at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on cognition and decision making in aging, with particular attention to factors that increase vulnerability to financial exploitation and dementia-related risk. Dr. Han directs an NIH-funded research program integrating neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral economics, and holds leadership roles with the USC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and several national and international research initiatives. He is Editor-in-Chief of The Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and a recipient of the prestigious Paul B. Beeson Career Development Award from the National Institute on Aging.

This webinar is presented by the Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care, Jewish Federations of North America.

During this webinar, the Center will present findings from the most recent National Study. Conducted every five years, this study explores the capacity of aging service organizations to support individuals with a history of adverse experiences with the PCTI approach. These results shape national conversations on how to improve our nation’s aging services so that we can all achieve healthy aging. Ahead of the webinar, a full report, executive summary, and infographic will be released.

Please join the National Center for State and Tribal Elder Justice Coalitions (NCSTEJC) for this webinar presented by Anna Thomas, on how public benefits intended to support older adults can become targets for exploitation.

Public benefits are meant to provide stability and dignity for those who need them. But for some older adults, their government funds become tools of exploitation. This session explores real-world examples of benefits trafficking, identifies red flags across sectors, and offers practical strategies for coalitions to strengthen cross-system response and accountability.

The New York State Family Court is a crucial resource for victims of domestic violence seeking civil orders of protection, child custody, and financial support. Most family court litigants file pro se petitions without legal guidance, relying on petition forms promulgated by the NYS Unified Court System. Victims may receive limited information from non-attorney advocates stationed in the courthouse, including support during the ex parte hearing process, and often succeed in obtaining a temporary order of protection. Unfortunately, the reprieve offered by such temporary orders is often brief, and pro se petitions frequently fail to establish the foundation necessary for long-term success in litigation. Practitioners must, therefore, promptly review and amend pro se petitions.

This webinar covers topics including: Family Offense Basics: who has standing; what is a family offense; why you should file; Temporary Orders of Protections: Stay Away versus Refrain from Provisions; Emergency Custody Petition Pit Falls.

Despite the legislative requirement that judges consider the impact of domestic violence on custody decisions, “willingness to foster a relationship” between the child and other parent has effectively become a super-factor forcing domestic violence victims to somehow demonstrate a willingness to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent without minimizing the abuse.

Presenter: Jennifer L. Storm, Esq., Deputy Legal Director, The Legal Project

A hearing on elder fraud by The US Senate Special Committee on Aging, broadcast via video. See the link below to connect live.

Witnesses: Nathan Picarsic (Senior Fellow, The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Washington, DC); Kathy Stokes (Senior Director, Fraud Prevention Programs, AARP, Washington, DC); Jacqueline Burns Koven (Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence, Chainalysis, New York, NY) and Seto Bagdoyan (Director, Audit Services, Forensic Audits & Investigative Service, Government Accountability Office, Washington, DC)

The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) will present this online Expert Q&A discussion with Anastasiya Bolton and Krista R. Flannigan, J.D.

Victim service providers often feel ill equipped to effectively manage crisis communications and unleash the power of social media, while also maintaining the privacy and dignity of victims. Do you have questions about how to communicate effectively during a crisis and develop crisis plans? Do you want to learn how to leverage social media ethically to both advance your agency's mission and support and advocate for victims? Then join for this interactive Expert Q&A webinar! This webinar is ideal for professionals working in victim services, including social workers, counselors, law enforcement officers, and communication specialists, as well as anyone involved in crisis management and public relations within victim service organizations

Presented by the New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition NYSCRC), this is part 1 of a 4-part webinar series: Understanding Aging & Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), empowering caregivers with essential insights and resources for their journey with loved ones who have IDD.

The term “dementia” is used to describe a group of symptoms indicating a change in how someone thinks, behaves, and/or performs routine tasks or self-care. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may present symptoms of dementia differently than the general population. This webinar will review the different types of dementia as well as symptoms and risk factors for adults with IDD. Discussion will also include how to support adults with IDD through these changes.

Hosted by: Laura Robinson, Program Coordinator, Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Third Age Committee

Upstate Elder Abuse Center (UpEAC) at Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative Webinar Series

Scams and frauds are prevalent, robbing older adults of millions of dollars each year. Recognizing this, Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative added a new position to assist with both education and case consultations for our teams. Please join us as Amanda, who has wholeheartedly embraced this new position of E-MDT Scam Prevention Coordinator, explains: 1) Ways that funds are typically sent during scam crimes 2) Types of transactions that may occur as these crimes unfold 3) Use of technology as a weapon to facilitate financial crimes

Presenter: Amanda Irons-Rindfleish, MBA, M.S. Criminal Justice Administration E-MDT Scam Prevention Coordinator Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan

A virtual training from the NYS Department of Health, co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Regional Training Center.

Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) is specifically designed to provide proactive violence prevention strategies for clinical, case management, and other human service and law enforcement staff who serve young adults and older adults with mental illness in community settings. The SAVE program promotes safe practice by teaching staff to identify warning signs of impending violence, and to utilize proven methods for approaching high-risk individuals in community settings.

Content will cover: Need for safety training; impact of violent incidents on providers, clients and others; risk factors for violence among mentally disordered individuals and general populations (interpersonal, institutional and physical plant/environmental); prediction of violence; tips on evaluating dangerousness; case-based scenarios with increased risk; team approach to safe practice; risk reduction (short staffing, high-risk situations); situational awareness models; linear aggression sequence; avoiding common pitfalls; teamwork, communication and practical support in crisis situations; safe transport, field work and home visit safety; self- defense techniques (hands-off approach); incident review and lessons learned (post-incident debriefing and mentorship/supervision).

Lifespan’s Gerontology Certificate Course, in partnership with the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center (FLGEC) at the University of Rochester

This 31-class, non-credit program is designed to deepen understanding of a wide range of age-related topics for professionals, older adults, care partners, and volunteers. Classes start January 14th and are offered weekly every Wednesday from 4-6:30 pm, via Zoom. They are taught by experts including University of Rochester faculty and other experienced specialists. You may take the whole course or unit(s) of interest. The target audience is anyone interested in furthering a career or gaining knowledge about aging and longevity.

More information (including course schedule, cost, CEUs and other FAQ) can be found on Lifespan’s website:

https://www.lifespan-roch.org/gerontology-certificate

Early bird registration ends December 29th.

In partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, LiveOn NY is offering a FREE webinar series for aging service professionals.

As the number of people living with dementia continues to grow, it’s essential that our network of providers feels confident and prepared to offer meaningful support—both to individuals experiencing dementia and to the family and friend care partners who support them.

This workshop is designed to equip staff and program providers with the knowledge and practical strategies they need to respond with empathy, respect, and confidence when dementia becomes part of the picture. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of dementia and how it affects individuals; learn to recognize signs that someone may be experiencing cognitive changes; and receive guidance on how to approach individuals and/or their care partners to express concerns.

Speakers: Stephanie Montero, Community Liaison & Care Manager, Lifespan of Greater Rochester; Cassidy Macdonald, Education Coordinator, Lifespan of Greater Rochester; and Katy Allen, Division Leader, Caregiver Services, Director, Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc.

This Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) webinar is hosted by Angela Keen and Bridgette Butler.

Many victims of crime envision a more expansive definition of justice outside of the offender-focused criminal justice system we all know. This expansion of justice options can be found within the spectrum of restorative justice. This Vital Subjects webinar is designed to provide an overview of restorative justice practices and principles that can provide opportunities for victims' voices to be elevated and for offenders to learn more about the impact of the harm they have caused. 

The "Restorative Justice Expands Victim Choices and Elevates Victim Voices” webinar is part of the Vital Subjects series. This series will address topics that are critical to the victim services field across the country. 

Access to nutritious food is vital to maintain health in older age and to manage chronic conditions, which are more prevalent in aging populations. However, more than half of older New Yorkers struggle to access quality, affordable food. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), congregate and home-delivered meals, and food pantries help older adults access the food they need, but recent federal budget changes threaten many of these programs.

Join experts as they discuss the findings from the New York Health Foundation’s newest report examining food insecurity among older adults in New York State. Learn about the experiences and challenges older adults face getting the food they need and the impacts of recent federal policy changes.

Speakers: Colleen Heflin (Professor and Author, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs), Macie McGowan (Director of Kitchen Programs, FoodLink), Emilia Cobbs (Policy and Research Associate, NYHealth), Julia McCarthy (Senior Program Officer, NYHealth-moderator)

The Elder Abuse Prevention Certificate Course (EAPCC) is presented by the Upstate Elder Abuse Center (UpEAC) at Lifespan in partnership with the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center (FLGEC) at the University of Rochester.

This is a ten (10) class online course (20 hours) for professionals that takes a deeper dive into elder abuse topics, including legal aspects, challenges of underserved populations and legislation surrounding elder justice, to name a few. Participants are welcome to take all ten classes or attend just the ones of interest to them. UpEAC brings in professionals from other disciplines to share their knowledge.

This course is designed to equip professionals with: evidence-based approaches to identifying and responding to elder abuse; legal and ethical considerations in reporting and intervention; tools for cross-sector collaboration and advocacy; case studies and practical scenarios relevant to your field.

More information (including course schedule and descriptions, CEUs and cost) are on the Lifespan website -- Elder Abuse Prevention Certificate — Lifespan  

Early bird registration (20% off) is valid until Friday 12/5/2025. Classes start Tuesday 1/6/2026.

Join virtually to discuss books and share ideas 3-4 times yearly. Members of the Elder Justice Community are welcome. Co-presented by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)and National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Research to Practice (R2P) Interest Group.

Book title: The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

Please contact elaine.chen@med.usc.edu if you have any questions about the book club. 

Join the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault for an in-depth workshop on the purpose and collection of sexual assault forensic exams. This workshop is intended for anybody who works with survivors of sexual violence and/or community members who would like more information on the resources available to survivors in a hospital setting. This workshop will cover: the components of a forensic exam and a drug-facilitated sexual assault forensic exam, the role of an advocate, the New York State Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, and the options that survivors have for reporting, getting kits tested, and accessing support resources.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to: -Provide accurate, trauma-informed information to survivors or community members about what to expect during a hospital visit following a sexual assault. -Communicate survivors’ legal rights clearly, particularly those outlined in the New York State Survivors Bill of Rights. -Describe the handling, storage, and potential legal implications of sexual assault forensic exam kits. -Refer survivors to appropriate advocacy and healthcare resources in New York City and nationwide.

Join for an interactive virtual training designed specifically for aging service professionals working with older adults in community-based settings and programs.

In this session, we will explore the ethical principles of supporting older adults with mental health challenges. We will examine ageism, intersectionality and discrimination as they relate to the ethics of social work practice. We will discuss our collective ethical responsibility to the people we support, and examine how to apply ethical principles to set and maintain professional boundaries in our work.

Speaker: Alexandra Webb, LCSW, SVP for Training and Initiatives, Service Program for Older People

Upstate Elder Abuse Center (UpEAC) at Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative Webinar Series

Social connections that create a sense of caring, contributing, and community have a range of benefits for health and well-being at all ages and are especially important as we age. While most older people do not experience social isolation and loneliness, those who do are at risk for negative outcomes as they age, including lower quality of life and poor physical and mental health. They may also be more vulnerable to fraud, scams, and elder abuse. Social connection may help to mitigate these risks and improve quality of life.

In this presentation, Abigail Hoffman from the HOPE Lab at the University of Rochester will describe reasons why attending to one’s ‘social health’ is important and social connection is a form of medicine! She will discuss research on the links between SIL and vulnerability to financial scams, as well as evidence-based strategies to increase quantity and quality of social connections. She will also discuss our attitudes about ageing and how those shape how we engage with others as we age. She will share resources for increasing social connection and describe current research to increase social connection and well-being.

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

Every day, countless fake websites mimic trusted banks, retailers, and organizations — fooling consumers and evading takedown efforts. But who’s really behind these scams, and why are they so hard to stop? Join for an eye-opening forum featuring Derek Smyth of Artists Against 419, a volunteer group dedicated to exposing fraudulent websites and supporting law enforcement. Derek will take us behind the scenes of online fraud, exploring how domain and hosting companies play a role and what’s being done to make the internet safer for everyone.

Description: Crooks use a variety of fake websites to further their frauds, often copying those of banks and other real companies. How often does this happen, and why aren’t these easily removed? What is the role of domain name companies and web hosting companies? Who is behind creating these sites?

Presenter: Derek Smyth from Artists Against 419. Derek joined them at the end of 2003 shortly after it was created as an anti-scam consumer activist group. Derek spends his free time wandering around on the internet in all the wrong places, trying to make sense of threats folks don't normally recognize. This information is shared with partner groups such as anti-virus vendors and law enforcement in an effort at making the internet a slightly safer place for consumers.

Presented by the University of Buffalo Office of Continuing Education, School of Social Work 

Description: During the Civil Rights Movement, Assistant Secretary of Labor Daniel Patrick Moynihan authored The Negro Family: The Case for National Action. His 1965 report drew national attention to racial inequality and poverty, while controversially characterizing challenges in Black communities as rooted in family instability. Sixty years later, the UB School of Social Work invites you to reflect on the report’s legacy.

Keith A. Alford, PhD, dean of the School of Social Work, will moderate a panel exploring the report’s historical context, its influence on social welfare, education, urbanization, stereotypes, and health inequities, and its lasting impact on social work with Black families. Attendees will gain tools to apply culturally responsive, anti-racist frameworks.
Learning Objectives: Analyze the historical context, major arguments, and controversies of the Moynihan Report; Evaluate the Moynihan Report’s influence on U.S. social policy and public perceptions of Black families; Identify the ways in which narratives from the Moynihan Report continue to shape structural inequities and inform contemporary challenges in social welfare, education, urbanization, identity perceptions, health inequities, and policy.

In partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, LiveOn NY is offering a FREE elder abuse prevention webinar series.

Join for the third and final session of the series, during which we’ll discuss safety planning options for the different types of abuse. Together we’ll learn trauma-informed responses when discussing safety planning, discuss multiple ways to offer a safety plan with an elder abuse victim, and safety plans for victims who are fleeing from the alleged abuser or choosing to stay in contact.

Speaker: Stephanie Good, MSW, Helpline Coordinator, Elder Abuse Helpline for Concerned Persons, Lifespan of Greater Rochester

Continuing Education*: This training is eligible for 1.5 Contact Hours for New York State Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) & Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

Social isolation can contribute to financial exploitation. Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation due to changes in health and social connections that can come with growing older.

This webinar from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will feature emerging research and innovative programs that shed light on interventions that may protect older adults from financial exploitation. Speakers include:

• Dr. Duke Han, professor of psychology and family medicine at USC

• S. Orlene Grant, MSN, president and CEO, Juanita C. Grant Foundation

• Dr. Jessica Bibbo, senior research scientist at the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), USC Family Caregiver Support Center, and Hollywood, Health & Society are hosting a webinar to highlight the power of storytelling to explore and elevate caregiving relationships in media. Audience’s attitudes are shaped by the stories they consume - whether through television, film, social media, or literature. Too often, nuances of caregiving and related challenges are not portrayed or inaccurately depicted in popular culture.

 This webinar is designed for caregivers, older adults, service providers, and media and elder justice professionals and will delve into why these stories matter, how they influence public perceptions, and how they can be used to increase awareness of resources for safe and supportive caregiving.

Speakers: 

• Laura Mosqueda, MD, Senior Advisor, National Center on Elder Abuse and Professor of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC

• MT Connolly, JD, Writer, lawyer, researcher, MacArthur Foundation Fellow, and President of the Elder Justice Collaborative

• Donna Benton, PhD, Research Associate Professor of Gerontology and Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

• Kate Folb, MEd, Director, Hollywood, Health & Society, USC Norman Lear Center

Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) throughout New York State are continuing their Building Better Health Webinar Series: A Lunch and Learn webinar series

Presented by: Christopher Norman, PhD(c), Nurse Practitioner

Learning Objectives: Examine how ageism, cultural biases, and geography may influence the perception and treatment of older people. Distinguish age-related brain changes from potential signs of developing cognitive impairment in older adults. Recognize common warning signs of potentially developing cognitive impairment in older adults. Identify national, regional, and local resources for caregiver assistance.

FREE CEs available for Social Work, LMHC, OT, PT, SLP

As a follow-up to the presentation and subsequent discussions at the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Financial Exploitation Summit in Bellevue WA on 9/11/25, NAPSA wishes to support you in navigating the Bank of America portal when working exploitation cases. NAPSA will be hosting a webinar to introduce this process. Please keep in mind that this collaboration presents an opportunity for Bank of America to streamline and improve processes. NAPSA encourages you to take part in these conversations and share your experiences.

Speaker info: Lisa Chelotti – Assistant Vice President, Litigation Operations Support Analyst.

This call will not be recorded.

Presented in collaboration with Lifespan, St. John’s, and Nazareth University, this is part of a two-day series.

Resonance. It speaks to the emotional depth and lasting impact of connection, compassion, and shared experience. This series centers on the art of connecting with others, the joy of music, and the celebration of caregiving in all of its forms. A panel of experts facilitated by Nazareth University’s Dr. David Steitz will discuss the therapeutic properties of music in the field of caregiving and older adult care.

Audience: Professionals, Students, & Family/Friend Caregivers providing care to someone living with memory loss

In-person at Nazareth University, 4245 East Ave, Otto A. Shults Community Center, Rochester, NY 14618

Join for an interactive virtual training designed specifically for aging service professionals working with older adults in community-based settings and programs.

Older people often face a variety of barriers upon release from incarceration. They often experience accelerated aging as a result, making their behavioral health and wellbeing central to their return to the community. In this session, we will explore the mental health and substance use needs in older people recently released from incarceration, and some interventions to provide treatment. We will examine the qualities of anti-ageist, anti-ableist, trauma informed settings to more fully support their needs and help them develop community and connection.

Speaker: Alexandra Webb, LCSW, SVP for Training and Initiatives, Service Program for Older People

The Dr. Rocco Vivenzio Memorial Symposium, presented by Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

Working together to create the care we want for our loved ones-and ourselves.

Featuring: Dr. Daniel Ari Mendelson, MS, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, Geriatrician and palliative medicine physician, educator, Chief Medical Officer at Jewish Home, and Professor of Geriatrics and Aging at the University of Rochester. He is recognized nationally for advancing person-centered care for older adults.

In person at the Jewish Community Center, Hart Auditorium, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester NY
$15.00 per person.

Presented by Lifespan of Greater Rochester as part of our November Information & Inspiration series.

A workshop offered via Zoom, it’s 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.