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The National Adult Protective Services Resource Center (NAPSRC) is a function of the US Administration on Aging through a grant to the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA).
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National Adult Protective Services Resource Center
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JOIN THE NAPSRC
MAILING LIST!
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Still Searching for Evidence-based APS Practices
The NAPSRC, along with partner the National Council on Crime & Delinquency, is gathering information on evidence-based practice in adult protective services.
Evidence-based practice considers approaches that have used the scientific method to evaluate outcomes and are based on observable and measurable data.
If you are aware of an evidence-based practice in APS that you would like to share, we would like to hear from you. Contact us at napsrc@apsnetwork.org.
The NAPSRC and NCCD will soon release a survey of states to gather this information.
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NAPSRC Needs Assessment Continuing
The National Adult Protective Services Resource Center has begun a needs assessment. The survey is a baseline survey to establish the technical assistance and information needs of APS programs, as they relate to Center objectives, and to provide a needs assessment analysis to the Center.
NAPSRC staff are contacting each state APS administrator by phone to administer the brief survey. Please contact nasprc@apsnetwork.org for additional information.
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Three New Videos from Terra Nova Films
Terra Nova has three new films on elder abuse. Creating An Elder Abuse Forensic Center: Philosophy Into Action
Produced by University of California, Irvine - Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect (DVD)
From the initial assessment to a successful care closure, this helpful package is designed to equip agencies to strengthen multidisciplinary communication and improve the response to vulnerable older adults.
I Won't Go
Produced by LoveLove Films, Ltd.
This story of a 90+ year old woman brings home the complex issues of self-neglect, competence and capacity.
Last Will and Embezzlement
Produced by Starjack Entertainment
Producer Pamela S. K. Glasner shares how her parents' life savings were embezzled by a man who insinuated himself into their lives, and her attempts to set things right.
Hollywood icon, Mickey Rooney, tells how he lost millions of dollars through a trusted family member.
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| New Research to Practice (R2P) Brief
The Research to Practice series from the NAPSRC is a product of the NAPSA-NCPEA Research Committee. The purpose of this research summary is to provide direct access to findings in order to enhance practice and clarify policy choices.
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The National Adult Protective Services Resource Center (NAPSRC) is a project (Grant No. 90ER0002/01) of the U.S. Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), administered by the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). Grantees carrying out projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions do not necessarily represent official Administration on Aging or DHHS policy.
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Major Merger of HHS Aging and Disability Agencies
 April 16, 2012, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the creation of a new agency within HHS, the Administration for Community Living. The new entity will merge the current Administration on Aging, Office on Disability, and Administration on Developmental Disabilities, which will henceforth be called the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD).
Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee will be the Administrator for the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), while continuing to serve as assistant secretary for aging. Henry Claypool of the Office on Disability will serve as principal deputy administrator of ACL, as well as advisor on disability policy. Sharon Lewis, of the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, noted that the agency will continue with its core mission, programs and services under the DD Act.
Kathy Greenlee, on a conference call announcing the merger,emphasized that ACL will take a lifespan approach to community living. She also noted that the creation of the administration does not change either the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Act or the Older Americans Act.
In a statement announcing the merger, Secretary Sebelius said, "All Americans - including people with disabilities and seniors - should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions - rather than in nursing homes or other institutions. . . With the creation of the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), we are reinforcing this commitment by bringing together key HHS organizations and offices dedicated to improving the lives of those with functional needs into one coordinated, focused and stronger entity."
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 Elder Abuse Field Loses Pioneer LeaderToshio Tatara, Ph.D., the first director of the National Center on Elder Abuse, passed away in Japan on April 23, 2012. Known as Toshie to all his friends, Dr. Tatara was very instrumental in bringing attention and research to bear on the issue of elder abuse. He was a founding member, and a current board member, of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and was closely involved with Dr. Rosalie Wolf and the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. After teaching at Bryn Mawr College and working in child welfare in Wisconsin, Dr. Tatara moved to the American Public Welfare Association (APWA). He was in that position when he became the first NCEA director, from 1988 - 1998. During that time he worked closely with Texas APS to bring APS professionals from around the country to the annual Texas APS Conference. It was there, in San Antonio, where APS administrators from different states met, and in 1989, formed NAPSA. Toshie supported the fledgling organization's development, allowing, along with Texas APS, NAPSA to hold its first conferences in conjunction with Texas'. After several years, he provided NAPSA with a small grant to allow the organization to launch its own independent annual conference. Dr. Tatara published over 90 articles, books and book chapters on important social topics. After retiring from the APWA in 1998 he moved back to Japan and taught at Shukutoku University. Although a serious researcher and advocate, Toshie brought exuberance and humor to everything he did, such as trying to bring down the pinata at the annual Texas Conference dinner dances, and belting out Karaoke when given the chance. His important work, his many contributions, and his warm and wonderful personality will be missed by all who knew him and by everyone who benefited from his life's work.
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From the Gerontological Society of America
Elder Abuse Remains Hidden Problem as Baby Boomers Reach Old Age - and APS Faces Critical Challenges
March 27, 2012
Despite the 2010 passage of the Elder Justice Act, policy experts have found that combating widespread abuse of seniors is still not a top priority for either care providers nor governments.
As many as one in 10 people age 60 and over are affected by this problem, according to the newest Public Policy & Aging Report from the National Academy on an Aging Society, the policy institute of The Gerontological Society of America.
This special issue includes a history of the Elder Justice Act by Bob Blancato, and an article by Kathleen Quinn and Paula Mixson on the history of APS and the significant challenges currently facing the field.
Read the press release here.
To purchase the publication, visit this link.
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CDC Releases Disaster Preparedness Guide for Vulnerable Older Adults
Identifying Vulnerable Older Adults and Legal Options for Increasing Their Protection During All-Hazards Emergencies: A Cross-Sector Guide for States and Communities, and the launch of the accompanying preparedness web portal, were announced in late March by the CDC.
APS was closely involved in the work group which developed the materials. The guide is being disseminated to national organizations, and state and community groups, including state units on aging, local area agencies on aging, state public health departments, and other key partners.
Next steps include creating additional tools such as model provisions for inclusion in MOUs and model preparedness exercises.
The guide will be presented at the annual NAPSA conference in Phoenix, Arizona on October 18, 2011.
To view the web portal and a pdf copy of the guide, visit the CDC website.
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From the National Council on Aging
NCOA and Bank of America Charitable Foundation Partner to Help Seniors Become "Savvy Savers"
March 27, 2012
The National Council on Aging and Bank of America Charitable Foundation today announced an initiative to promote financial literacy for older adults. The effort draws upon the unique strengths of both banking and aging services to deliver financial education to at least 5,000 seniors.
Visit this link for more information.
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Recent News of Interest
State Supreme Court Holds Lawyers, Conservators Accountable In Probate Cases Hartford, CT -- The state Supreme Court stood up Friday for a simple right that matters especially to the old, sick and disabled. ... In a unanimous ruling in the long-running civil rights case of Daniel Gross, the justices ruled that court-appointed lawyers do not have immunity from lawsuits if they abuse their clients. The court also ruled, in a divided opinion, that conservators appointed by probate have limited immunity. The justices also ruled that a nursing home does not have immunity from lawsuits in probate cases. (Source: CT Now.com, March 23, 2012) More Financial Protection for Seniors and Vulnerable Adults Juneau, AK -- The House passed a bill the governor requested designed to increase protection for seniors and other vulnerable adults. (Source: Alaska Public, March 23, 2012) Minnesota Legislature approves tougher elder-abuse bill: The measure passed by the Legislature calls for prison terms of up to 10 years. Minnesota lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a measure that would, for the first time, punish abusive caregivers with prison time and significant fines if they severely neglect elderly and vulnerable adults.
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Do you have...
- An initiative you're especially proud of?
- An event or conference, training, public awareness effort which you'd like to publicize?
- A recent success story you'd like to share with your APS colleagues?
Please email your information to us at napsrc@apsnetwork.org and we'll add it to a future newsletter if possible.
NAPSA offers a special thank you to Health Benefits ABCs, whose twice-monthly newsletter, AGING POLICY/PUBLIC HEALTH NEWS, provided some of the information in this newsletter.
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