OUR MISSION

Our mission is to prevent harm to older and vulnerable adults by providing protective service workers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify and address abuse, neglect and exploitation. Through ongoing training and professional development, we ensure they can respond effectively and compassionately.

WHAT WE DO

The Institute on Protective Services provides specialized education, training and expert consultation to help professionals and organizations better identify, investigate and resolve cases of abuse involving older adults and adults with disabilities. We work with protective services task forces, human services professionals, law enforcement, EMS and medical providers and financial institutions.

We offer customized training, curriculum development and Train-the-Trainer courses to expand internal capacity.

Popular topics include:

• Understanding Abuse and the Role of Protective Services
• Compassion Resilience & Self-Care
• Substance Use Disorder and Older Adults
• Adult & Older Adult Mental Health First Aid
• Trauma 101
• Person-Centered Best Practices in Investigations & Service Planning
• The Psychology of Scams and Why They Work
• Financial Exploitation & Cryptocurrency
• Image-Based Sexual Abuse

We also present at regional, state and national conferences to share knowledge, best practices and emerging trends. Customized training topics are available to fit your organization’s unique needs.

EXPERT CONSULTATION

The Institute on Protective Services offers consultation to agencies and organizations on:

• Complex victimization cases involving vulnerable and older adults*
• Ethical issues in protective services
• Building a positive organizational culture in long-term care
• Preventing abuse and neglect in care facilities
• Workforce retention and burnout prevention

*Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, we provide complex case consultation for Area Agencies on Aging and Law Enforcement in cases of abuse, neglect and theft involving older adults.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

We offer convenient learning opportunities alongside our full training, including:

• Short “lunch and learn” sessions (20–30 minutes)
• Interactive webinars on emerging topics
• Custom mini trainings delivered virtually or on-site

• These flexible options give staff practical insights, introduce best practices and provide a preview of the comprehensive training our team can deliver to support long-term goals.

RESOURCES

AARP Policy and Research

Administration for Community Living

Advancing States (formerly the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities)

Ageless Alliance

Aging In Place (formerly the National Council for Aging Care)

Alzheimer's Association

American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging

American Psychological Association Elder Abuse and Neglect

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Elder Abuse

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Elder Justice Coalition

Elder Justice Initiative

Medicare

National Adult Protective Services Association

National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Office for Victims of Crime

Office on Violence Against Women