This course provides an overview of important changes to APS practice in the State of California due to the passing of Assembly Bill (AB) 135.

Intended for newer APS professionals or those who can benefit from a refresher, participants will learn about the purpose of accurate, complete, and person-centered case documentation, as well as the importance of using clear, concise, and objective language in your documentation. Participants also will explore other documentation considerations such as confidentiality and how documentation may be used.

This eLearning course provides a foundational overview of Adult Protective Services (APS), including general information about the people APS serves, the roles and responsibilities of APS, the types of abuse APS investigates, and the common steps taken in an APS case. This course emphasizes the role of self-determination in how APS serves clients using a person-centered approach. It’s been revised to include California specific statutes and policies.

In this 90-minute eLearning course, participants will use the CA APS Standards for Consistency in Determining Findings Protocol, which consists of the Guiding Principles and the Matrix, and apply the protocol to case studies. This training will provide clarity on what information to gather during an investigation, what is and what is not important in evaluating the information, and guidance in interpreting the information. (1.5 CEs)

This eLearning course was designed to help APS professionals understand California’s Adult Protective Services Regulations by requiring them to apply the regulations to abuse reports and case studies. (1 CE)

APS professionals will explore the natural dynamics that occur at case closure and the factors to consider in the decision-making process. Learn how to recognize common feelings experienced by the client and APS professional at the time of closure; their impact on the case closure process; and how to identify criteria and conditions that indicate appropriateness or inappropriateness of closing an APS case. (1.5 CEs)

In this eLearning, learners will explore disability in the past and present and talk about the disability movement in the United States. They will briefly cover three categories of disabilities commonly experienced by people engaged in Adult Protective Services. Finally, they will learn some examples of disabilities and how to effectively engage people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. (1.5 CEs)

An important part of the APS investigation is your ability to interview alleged perpetrators. What you learn in the interview may affect your assessment of client risk, change your understanding of a situation, guide your determination about what services may be helpful, and ultimately, may impact your finding about the allegation. Whether you are an experienced and natural interviewer or someone just getting started with concerns about making a mistake, this 90 min online training will help you better prepare for the interview, thereby increasing your confidence and boosting your investigative and interviewing skills. (1.5 CEs)

Adult Protective Services professionals confront a variety of ethical dilemmas in the course of their daily practice. In this course, learners explore the seven ethical principles of APS, and the dilemmas that can arise when two or more of these principles come into conflict. Learners will be introduced to the concepts of implicit bias, intersectionality, and cultural humility, and their impact on ethical decision-making. (1.5 CEs)

In this eLearning course, APS staff will receive foundational information pertaining to the necessary steps when investigating allegations of financial exploitation. Revised to incorporate California specific statute and policies, learning concepts include the indicators of financial exploitation, understanding decision-making ability, undue influence, and actions to take in  financial exploitation investigations.

In this dynamic, interactive 60 minute online training, participants will access the Framework for Determining Dependent Adult Status and the Dependent Adult Definition Matrix to evaluate case scenarios and make decisions related to dependent adult status. This training provides more clarity about what information to gather and guidance in interpreting it. The framework and toolkit presented will reduce uncertainty about the process and help provide clarity in the decision making process surrounding determining dependent adult status and APS eligibility. (This course is not eligible for CE’s)

In this 90-minute interactive eLearning, Adult Protective Services professionals will learn the definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity, and briefly learn the different types of sexual orientations and gender identities people have. They will be guided through a brief history of significant milestones that impact the LGBTQ+ community today. Finally, they will learn the importance of asking inclusive demographic questions, along with techniques to facilitate the discussion.

This eLearning course is designed to provide APS staff foundational knowledge on how to effectively collect information from an initial report and then develop a plan based on that report. It also emphasizes the need to anticipate and plan for professional safety issues that could be encountered, along with steps anyone can take to remain safe in the community and conducting home visits. Certain content has been revised to include California statutes and policies.

This course will cover how to identify involuntary interventions and recognize when their use is appropriate. It will discuss ethical issues in using involuntary interventions and provide recommendations for how an APS professional can take action when an involuntary case plan is necessary and appropriate. 

This course is designed to provide APS professionals with an introduction to terms and behaviors used to identify mental health issues they may encounter when working with older adults. The course includes information on the five broad categories of mental disorders, diseases that affect the brain, and suicide risk assessment and intervention. Participants will have an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned to a series of case studies. (2 CEs)

In this eLearning participants learn to assess the severity, urgency, and likelihood of harm occurring for a client across five domains. Learn the benefits and limitations of risk assessment tools; and how to develop risk-reduction service plans to help improve clients’ safety, security, and quality of life. (1.5 CEs)

In this course, we will define conservatorship, describe the different types of conservatorship, and explore the unique roles of the APS professional and the Public Guardian as they relate to making referrals for conservatorship and collaborating on shared cases. We’ll also provide some case scenarios too so that you can practice what you have learned.

Assessing and determining whether clients have the ability to make informed decisions about their situations and care is one of the greatest challenges faced by APS professionals. This course will help you screen for your clients’ ability to make decisions by helping you tailor your interview questions to identify the factors that affect decision-making ability. It will also help provide an understanding of the uses and limitations of the tools available for screening decision-making ability, and the value and purpose of a formal capacity evaluation done by a clinical professional.  (1.5 CEs)

The SOC 242 is the data collection tool used by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to collect data about Adult Protective Services across the state of California. The SOC 242 was revised in 2019 to include more demographic information about the clients we serve, the suspected abusers, and who is making reports to APS. This course, The SOC and You: What You Need to Know, will increase your knowledge of the SOC 242, the purpose behind the report, and how to accurately report data so that informed decisions can be made at a state and federal level. (1.5 CEs)

Many APS professionals have had cases where clients seem to have been manipulated to give away their assets or agree to risky investments which were not in their best interest. Undue influence is complex and can be challenging as it’s often a process and not a single event, which can make it difficult to identify, investigate, and document. (1.5 CEs)

This eLearning course provides an overview of Voluntary Service Planning within Adult Protective Services (APS). Participants will learn how to develop client-centered case plans that respect self-determination while addressing safety and well-being. The course covers strategies for collaborating with clients to identify needed services, tailoring interventions to their readiness to engage, and how to create a specialized safety plan for clients experiencing domestic violence. By the end of the training, learners will be equipped to create effective service plans that build on client strengths and available resources.

This training will help APS professionals work more effectively with the Criminal Justice System by providing information that will promote a better understanding of and appreciation for the law enforcement and prosecution roles and perspectives. It explains how the Criminal Justice System operates, how to read and understand criminal statutes, and how to more effectively build cases by applying case facts to crime elements. (1.5 CEs)

In this interactive, multi-module training, 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. Resources, toolkits and other helpful information will be shared to help participants continue the reframing process. 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.

As an APS Supervisor it is crucial to understand the role onboarding plays in the success of an APS professional. In this 60-minute eLearning course, 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.   

Why focus on strengths? The research is clear that the use and development of strengths in the workplace increases work performance, retention, and well-being for staff at all levels. Join us for this interactive, foundational 90 min eLearning or 2 1/2-hour Instructor Led training on strengths-based development and supervision. Identify and explore your strengths and how to apply a strengths-based supervisory approach with your staff. Tips, tools, and best practices will be shared for use on the job and in supervision. Each modality can be taken separately or together for a more-in-depth experience.

In this course, we explore a vital aspect of the work done by Adult Protective Services professionals, ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities. In today’s world, the way we interact with our clients has evolved, and it’s essential for us to adapt and provide the best possible care. In the past, APS professionals primarily relied on telephone calls for non-face-to-face visits, which sometimes limited their ability to fully engage with those served. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a change emerged. APS professionals have embraced virtual investigations using video conferencing software, resulting in enhanced services that bring many benefits to our clients.  This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to supervise and support these non-face-to-face investigations effectively, ensuring the well-being and safety of the adults under our care.

APS professionals are exposed to complex situations every day. APS work is so challenging that effective, experienced APS professionals will ideally be independent, quick-thinkers. They must have a broad understanding of topics relating to health and aging, developmental disabilities, mental health, and cultural diversity. To support  APS professionals, APS supervisors need to understand all the aspects of APS work in addition to the aspects of quality supervision. Because APS supervisors have one of the most multifaceted and difficult roles within APS programs, a clear understanding of their key roles and responsibilities is important for their success and job satisfaction. In this course we’ll explore the roles of effective supervision, including educational, supportive, and administrative roles. We will examine the tasks and competencies specific to APS Supervisors. Finally, we’ll discuss some 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.

Coming Soon

In Adult Protective Services, it’s very likely that the members of the population we serve have lived through traumatic experiences and exposure to trauma.

In this foundational 90-minute eLearning, 4-hour instructor led training, and 30 minute Transfer of Learning Activity on a trauma-informed framework for APS supervisors, will explore a trauma-informed care approach from biological, programmatic, and policy levels. Each modality can be taken separately or together for a more in-depth experience.

Upon completion of this 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.

An important part of the APS investigation is your ability to interview alleged perpetrators. What you learn in the interview may affect your assessment of client risk, change your understanding of a situation, guide your determination about what services may be helpful, and ultimately, may impact your finding about the allegation. Whether you are an experienced and natural interviewer or someone just getting started with concerns about making a mistake, this 90 min online training will help you better prepare for the interview, thereby increasing your confidence and boosting your investigative and interviewing skills. (1.5 CEs)

In this 90-minute interactive eLearning, Adult Protective Services professionals will learn the definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity, and briefly learn the different types of sexual orientations and gender identities people have. They will be guided through a brief history of significant milestones that impact the LGBTQ+ community today. Finally, they will learn the importance of asking inclusive demographic questions, along with techniques to facilitate the discussion.

In this course, we will define conservatorship, describe the different types of conservatorship, and explore the unique roles of the APS professional and the Public Guardian as they relate to making referrals for conservatorship and collaborating on shared cases. We’ll also provide some case scenarios too so that you can practice what you have learned.

Many APS professionals have had cases where clients seem to have been manipulated to give away their assets or agree to risky investments which were not in their best interest. Undue influence is complex and can be challenging as it’s often a process and not a single event, which can make it difficult to identify, investigate, and document. (1.5 CEs)

This course provides an overview of important changes to APS practice in the State of California due to the passing of Assembly Bill (AB) 135.

In this 90-minute eLearning course, participants will use the CA APS Standards for Consistency in Determining Findings Protocol, which consists of the Guiding Principles and the Matrix, and apply the protocol to case studies. This training will provide clarity on what information to gather during an investigation, what is and what is not important in evaluating the information, and guidance in interpreting the information. (1.5 CEs)

In this dynamic, interactive 60 minute online training, participants will access the Framework for Determining Dependent Adult Status and the Dependent Adult Definition Matrix to evaluate case scenarios and make decisions related to dependent adult status. This training provides more clarity about what information to gather and guidance in interpreting it. The framework and toolkit presented will reduce uncertainty about the process and help provide clarity in the decision making process surrounding determining dependent adult status and APS eligibility. (This course is not eligible for CE’s)

In this course, we will define conservatorship, describe the different types of conservatorship, and explore the unique roles of the APS professional and the Public Guardian as they relate to making referrals for conservatorship and collaborating on shared cases. We’ll also provide some case scenarios too so that you can practice what you have learned.

The SOC 242 is the data collection tool used by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to collect data about Adult Protective Services across the state of California. The SOC 242 was revised in 2019 to include more demographic information about the clients we serve, the suspected abusers, and who is making reports to APS. This course, The SOC and You: What You Need to Know, will increase your knowledge of the SOC 242, the purpose behind the report, and how to accurately report data so that informed decisions can be made at a state and federal level. (1.5 CEs)