About Us

Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI) is a training program of the Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of the San Diego State University School of Social Work.

APSWI provides innovative workforce development to APS professionals and their partners. Our mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities to ensure that abused and vulnerable older adults and adults with disabilities receive high quality, effective interventions and services.

APSWI in partnership with state and national organizations has developed a nationally recognized Core Competency Training Curriculum for APS professionals. This curriculum is reviewed and approved by experts in the elder and dependent adult abuse fields.

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Course Description

This course will address reporting responsibilities; help participants to understand how, when and where to report suspected abuse or neglect; and inform participants of what to expect after the report has been made.

Disclaimer: To ensure that you successfully obtain a copy of your certificate of completion, please be certain to follow the prompt after completing the post-test by entering your name and email address so that your certificate of completion can be emailed to you. Those who do not follow that prompt will be unable to obtain their certificate, and will need to retake the course again as a transcript of completion is unavailable.

Free Mandated Reporting for Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse eLearning

News and Updates

October 2024

1.) Two New Videos and Video Discussion Guides Are Now Available!

• The new Managing Conflict and Encouraging Client Engagement Video portrays some of the barriers that may arise when an APS professional conducts an unannounced home visit, as well as some of the fears and concerns a person may have about APS involvement. In this video, an APS professional demonstrates best practices in building trust and rapport with a client and an alleged abuser. Skills demonstrated include: respectful and transparent communication, as well as interpersonal and professional skills to work through conflict, gain trust, and encourage engagement with Adult Protective Services.

• The new Video Discussion Guide: Managing Conflict and Encouraging Client Engagement is designed to facilitate learning and enhance skills demonstrated in the Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations (APSWI) training video: Managing Conflict and Encouraging Client Engagement. There are six skill areas that a facilitator or supervisor can explore with staff, including managing conflict, rapport and trust building, creating privacy for client interviewing, person-centered approach, cultural considerations, and assessing for safety and risk (both for client and APS professional).

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Marissa D. Bell, for developing the curriculum for this project and for developing the video discussion guide, to Cynosure New Media, Inc. for producing the video and providing additional subject matter expertise, to the NAPSA Education and Development Committee for their work on the video and to APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist, Amy Waszak for coordinating these projects. 

• In the new Assessing for Physical Abuse Training Video, an APS professional meets with a person who was referred to APS for an allegation of physical abuse committed by her daughter. During the interview, the APS professional demonstrates techniques such as person-centered interviewing, trauma-informed practice, evidence gathering, and safety planning which can be used when assessing for physical abuse. The APS professional successfully navigates with the client some of the powerful dynamics that are present when the abuse is committed by someone the person loves. *Content warning: this video depicts situations of physical and emotional abuse.

• The new Video Discussion Guide: Assessing for Physical Abuse is designed as a complement to the APSWI video “Assessing for Physical Abuse” to enhance learning and develop a deeper understanding of concepts portrayed. Facilitators and APS Supervisors can utilize the video and video discussion guide to have in-depth conversations and learning moments around key skills needed when assessing for physical abuse. Learning concepts include: rapport and trust building, person-centered and trauma-informed approaches, interviewing skills, sharing resources, and safety planning.

Thank you to our SME, APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist, Amy Waszak, for developing the curriculum for these projects, to Cynosure New Media, Inc. for producing the video and providing additional subject matter expertise, to California’s Curriculum Advisory Committee and the NAPSA Education and Development Committee for their work on these projects and to APSWI’s Workforce Development Supervisor, Kat Preston-Wager, for coordinating these projects. 

2.) New APS Supervisor Desk Guide is Available!

• The APS Supervisor Desk Guide: Frameworks for Engaging in Difficult Conversations is now available. In any work setting, having difficult conversations is an inevitable part of the work with peers, direct reports, management, and stakeholders. Whatever the situation, this desk guide allows APS Supervisors to understand some key takeaways from three frameworks that can be used when engaging in difficult conversations. Having an understanding of these can help prepare APS Supervisors to stay engaged as necessary and reduce harm (to self or others). Included in each framework, a short video demonstration highlights an example of APS Supervisors using the skills in various difficult conversations. The four Frameworks for Engaging in Difficult Conversations video demonstrations can also be found on APSWI’s Videos Home Tab.

Thank you to our SME, Valerie Smith, LCSW Consulting, Advocacy and Therapeutic Services, LLC, for developing the curriculum for this project and to APSWI’s Workforce Development Supervisor, Kat Preston-Wager, for coordinating this project. 

3.) Six Revised Supervisor Core Instructor-led trainings Now Available!

APSWI (Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations) is pleased to announce the following revised Supervisor Core instructor-Led Trainings that were also made accessible:

Supervisor Core Competency 1

• Upon completion of the Understanding Trauma Informed Care for APS Supervisors Instructor-Led Training course participants will understand the definition of trauma, the ACEs study and its impact on trauma across the lifespan, the link between trauma and adult maltreatment, and some practical tips and tools for supervisors and staff to use on the job.

• The Unique Role of the APS Supervisor Instructor-Led Training is an interactive, foundational training that outlines the educational, supportive and administrative roles of APS supervision.

• In the interactive Strengths-Based Development and Supervision Instructor-led training, learners will identify and explore their strengths and how to apply a strengths-based supervisory approach with staff. Tips, tools, and best practices will be shared for use on the job and in supervision.

Supervisor Core Competency 2

• In the 3-hour experiential Understanding Implicit Bias and Structural Racism Instructor-led Training and 60-minute transfer of learning activity, supervisors will be able to identify, reflect on and address their effect on multiple levels as well as be informed on how to continue this work upon completion of this training.
• In the 3-hour interactive Building Cultural Humility & Cultural Responsiveness Instructor-led Training training and 1 hour transfer of learning activity, APS supervisors will be introduced to the concepts of cultural humility and cultural responsiveness. Through self-reflection and group discussion activities, participants will explore ways to promote and practice these concepts individually, with staff, and within their organizations.
• In the interactive, multi-module How to Talk About Elder Abuse Instructor-led Booster Training, supervisors will learn what factors currently influence the way the public thinks about elder abuse and practice a new communication strategy developed by the National Center on Elder Abuse, in conjunction with the Frameworks Institute. This multi-module training consists of a 60-minute eLearning and a 90-minute instructor-led booster. The 60-minute eLearning is designed to be completed prior to the instructor-led booster.

Thank you to APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist, Brenda Wilson-Codispoti, LCSW, for revising the curriculum for the Supervisor Core Competency 1 and 2 instructor-led trainings and for coordinating these projects and to APSWI’s Program Assistant, Jennifer Ovalle, for converting the training materials for these trainings in to accessible formats.

August 2024

1.) Three New APS Core Competency Facilitator Guides Are Now Available!

APSWI (Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations) is pleased to announce three new APS Core Competency Facilitator Guides that are now available made possible by the generous funding of the California Department of Social Services. Please visit our website to view all APS Core Competency materials currently available.

• Aging Process: This new NATC eLearning Facilitator Guide: Aging Process is designed to provide APS Supervisors or facilitators an instructor-led modality to enhance the learning from the NATC eLearning: Aging Process. Designed to be used either while completing the eLearning live or post learning, it will equip Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals with essential knowledge about the aging process; enhancing their ability to conduct investigations and develop effective strength based service plans.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Michelle Gayette, LCAC/MMGT, for developing the curriculum; and to APSWI Workforce Development Specialist, Jae Mohr, for coordinating this project. 

• Communication and Interviewing: This new NATC eLearning Facilitator Guide: Communication and Interviewing is designed to provide APS Supervisors or facilitators an instructor-led modality for the core competency: Communication and Interviewing and enhance the learning from the NATC eLearning: Communication and Interviewing. APS professionals will learn and review the basic components of interviewing, the importance of trust and relationship building and the use of effective engagement skills, while focusing on how to overcome communication barriers and acknowledging cultural diversity. This Facilitator Guide will also cover how and when to use various question types and styles, including open-ended questioning.

*This replaces the previous instructor led training: Professional Communication. 

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Robin Pendleton, CPTD, for developing the curriculum; and to APSWI Workforce Development Specialist, Jae Mohr, for coordinating this project.   

• Case Collaboration: This new NATC eLearning Facilitator Guide: Case Collaboration is designed to provide APS Supervisors or facilitators an instructor-led modality for the core competency: Collaboration in APS Work and enhance the learning from the NATC eLearning: Case Collaboration. Throughout this learning experience, APS professionals will learn, review and have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills introduced in the NATC Case Collaboration eLearning. Participants will enhance their ability to build successful partnerships and resolve conflict, if necessary, in order to provide clients with information and services needed to live safe and independent lives.

*This replaces the previous instructor led training: Collaboration in APS Work Instructor Led Training.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), E. Penny Jacobo, MSW, LCSW, for developing this curriculum; and to APSWI Workforce Development Specialist, Jae Mohr, for coordinating this project.

April 2024

1.) Two New Supervisor Core eLearnings Are Now Available!

APSWI (Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations) is pleased to announce two new Supervisor Core eLearnings that are now available, made possible by the generous funding of the California Department of Social Services.

• ***The Unique Role of the APS Supervisor eLearning is a new Supervisor Core eLearning a part of Supervisor Core Competency 1. In this course participants will explore the roles of effective supervision, including educational, supportive, and administrative roles, examine the tasks and competencies specific to APS Supervisors, and discuss issues that can come up when transitioning from peer to supervisor or transitioning into APS as a supervisor and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Gina Di Mercurio, LCSW, for developing the curriculum for this eLearning and to Brenda Wilson-Codispoti, APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist for coordinating this project. 

• ***In the new Supervising Non Face-to-Face Investigations eLearning, a part of Supervisor Core Competency 4, participants will explore the shift of APS practice to conducting more frequent non-face-to-face investigations and the role of the supervisor, the best practices and technology that APS professionals can use when conducting non-face-to-face visits, the supervisor’s role in determining face-to-face contact vs non-face to-face visits, and how to evaluate the appropriateness of non-face-to-face investigations.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Trudy McClure, LCSW, for developing the curriculum for this eLearning and to Brenda Wilson-Codispoti, APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist for coordinating this project.

  ***Please note that funding for CA APS professionals to access these eLearning modules is generously provided by the California Department of Social Services. APS professionals outside of CA can access these eLearning modules for an access fee $50 per module.***

2.) Two Newly Revised Supervisor Core Instructor-led Trainings Are Now Available!

APSWI (Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations) is pleased to announce and two newly revised Supervisor Core Instructor-led Trainings that are now available, made possible by the generous funding of the California Department of Social Services.

• The Effective Case Consultation Instructor-led Training a part of Supervisor Core Competency 4 was recently revised. This interactive training will address specific, foundational roles of case consultation. Upon completion of the course participants will be able to explain the importance of case consultation, identify constructive methods for case consultation within their supervisory role, explain the different components, and be able to demonstrate effective case consultation practice within a given case scenario.

Thank you to Subject Matter Expert (SME), Jessica E. Burke, MPA, for developing the curriculum for this training; the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Education Committee for their work on this project; and to Brenda Wilson-Codispoti, APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist for revising the curriculum and coordinating this project. 

• The Supervising Complex Cases Instructor-led Training a part of Supervisor Core Competency 4 was recently revised. In this 4-hour instructor-led interactive training and 1-hour transfer of learning activity participants will explore examples of complex cases and the role of the APS supervisor in providing oversight of these investigations. Participants will learn about tools, best practices, and strategies they can share with their staff to guide and support them through the investigation process and that promote quality assurance, alignment with agency policy and procedures, and ensure the well-being of the clients served in our communities.

Thank you to Brenda Wilson-Codispoti, APSWI’s Workforce Development Specialist for providing the subject matter expertise, for developing and revising the curriculum for this training and for coordinating this project and to the Supervisor Curriculum Advisory Committee (SCAC) and National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Education Committee for their work on this project.  

March 2024

1.) Three New APS Workforce Development Projects Are Now Available!

APSWI (Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations) is pleased to announce three new APS workforce development projects that are now available, made possible by the generous funding of the California Department of Social Services:

• Substance Use, Recovery and APS Considerations covers foundational information on substance use and misuse, substance use related disorders experienced by older adults and what recovery can mean to this population. Participants will use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) working definition of recovery and guiding principles, as they explore risk factors specific to older adults. They will also work within that definition to review assessments that APS can use in order to create collaborative service plans that include interventions that mitigate risk, empowering clients to live a life of recovery.
• The accompanying Substance Use in Older Adults Resource Guide provides additional information and resources APS professionals can use when providing psychoeducation to people they are working with.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Alice Joy Kirk, LCSW for developing the curriculum; to E. Penny Jacobo, LCSW for providing additional subject matter expertise; and to APSWI Workforce Development Supervisor, Kat Preston-Wager, for coordinating this project. 

• Financial Abuse, Alleged Perpetrator Interview Video Discussion Guide to facilitate conversations, encourage critical thinking, and enhance investigation skills with staff conducting home visits with clients and interviewing alleged perpetrators.

Thank you to our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Quatana Hodges, MPA for developing the curriculum and to APSWI Workforce Development Specialist, Amy Waszak, for coordinating this project.

January 2024

1.)  New APS Supervisor Core eLearning “Onboarding New Staff” Is Now Available!*

In the new “Supervisor Core: Onboarding New Staff eLearning” a part of the Supervisor Core Competency 3 curriculum, learners will explore how onboarding effectively acclimates new APS professionals to the practice of Adult Protective Services, and to the organization as a whole. In addition, learners will discover the vital role APS supervisors have in the development of their new employees, including setting training milestones, evaluating an employee’s progress, providing support, and giving effective feedback.

Thank you to the generous funding of the California Department of Social Services, our Subject Matter Expert (SME), Quatana Hodges, MPA for developing the curriculum; to the Arizona Adult Protective Services Division of Aging and Adult Services, Department of Economic Security, National Adult Protective Services(NAPSA), and Susan Staples, NAPSA Consultant for providing additional subject matter expertise; to the Supervisor Curriculum Advisory Committee (SCAC) for their work on this project; and to APSWI Workforce Development Specialist, Amy Waszak, for coordinating this project.  

*Interested in taking this eLearning course? Funding for CA APS professionals to access this eLearning module is generously provided by the California Department of Social Services. APS professionals outside of CA can access this eLearning module for an access fee of $50 per module. Reach out to APSWI at apstraining@sdsu.edu for additional information.*

ADA Statement

The Academy for Professional Excellence and Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that appreciates and builds on diversity. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended, The Academy for Professional Excellence prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. To request accommodations, please contact your county’s Human Resources representative.