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.
The Institute on Protective Services provides specialized education, curriculum development, and expert consultation to protective services task force groups, human services professionals, law enforcement, EMS, medical professionals, and financial institutions. Our trainers are also available to speak at regional, state, and national conferences and workshops.
Our services are designed to strengthen the skills and effectiveness of these individuals and organizations to identify, investigate, and resolve cases of abuse involving older adults and adults with disabilities. In addition to customized training programs, we offer Train-the-Trainer courses to build internal training capacity and provide technical assistance to enhance existing training efforts.
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.
The Institute on Protective Services is able to offer expert consultation to your agency or company in the following areas:
*The Institute receives funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to provide complex case consultation for the Area Agencies on Aging and Law Enforcement on cases of abuse, neglect and theft involving older adult victims.
Please contact the Institute Director, Caroline Burnell, at [click-for-email] to discuss how the Institute can support your work.
In addition to our comprehensive contract trainings, the Institute on Protective Services also offers a variety of flexible learning opportunities designed to give agencies and facilities a preview of the expertise we provide. These include short “lunch and learn” sessions (20–30 minutes) tailored to organizational needs, interactive webinars on emerging protective service topics, and other customized mini-trainings that can be delivered virtually or on-site. These offerings are a great way for staff to engage with current best practices in a convenient format while experiencing the high-quality instruction our team delivers. By providing accessible entry points, we help organizations strengthen awareness and build capacity, while also giving them a taste of how our full trainings can support their long-term goals.
Since 2023, the Georgia Division of Aging Services (DAS) has partnered with Temple University to develop interactive training simulations for our Adult Protective Services (APS) and Adult Guardianship Program (AGP). These simulations, aligned with Georgia standards, provide new staff with realistic scenarios, including field interviews and safety protocols, to better prepare them for their roles as APS Investigators and AGP Case Managers. The engaging, high-quality simulations have become a valuable part of our training curriculum.
Impressed with the results, DAS expanded the partnership to include the development of recruitment videos for both programs. Despite internal changes and evolving project scopes, Temple University remained flexible, professional, and committed to delivering impactful, high-quality content. The recruitment videos offer an honest and compelling look into the challenges and rewards of working in APS and AGP, helping DAS attract passionate and qualified candidates. Temple continues to be a trusted partner in our efforts to train and grow a strong workforce.
Shernell Belasco
DAS Policy Section Manager
The Institute has provided several presentations at our Texas Adult Protective Services conferences. Staff are always engaged and come away with new ideas and skills to apply on the job. Professional, custom APS trainings provided by awesome presenters!
Kezeli Wold
Associate Commissioner for Adult Protective Services, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
The Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA) highly recommends The Institute on Protective Services. Their presentation at VCPEA's annual conference was engaging, thoughtful, and very useful for our attendees. We are excited to have The Institute back for future conferences!
Sydney Palinkas, LMSW
President, Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Administration for Community Living
Advancing States (formerly the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities)
Aging In Place (formerly the National Council for Aging Care)
American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
American Psychological Association Elder Abuse and Neglect
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Elder Abuse
National Adult Protective Services Association
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
