Implementing the APS rule: New Webinar Series and Continuing TA and Training

October 7, 2024

On May 7, ACL published a final rule to establish the first-ever federal regulations for adult protective services (APS). The new regulations promote high-quality APS and will improve consistency in services across states. With the final rule, ACL aims to support the national network that delivers APS, with the ultimate goal of better meeting the needs of adults who experience, or are at risk of, maltreatment or self-neglect.

As part of that support, ACL is launching a new "LIVE with ACL" technical assistance webinar series, which will begin on Thursday, October 17 with a webinar on compliance planning.

ACL also will be continuing to support APS programs and professionals implement the new rule through our APS Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) and National APS Training Center (NATC). Last month, ACL awarded WRMA Inc. a new five-year contract to continue operating the APS TARC and a new three-year contract to continue operating the NATC.

Upcoming "LIVE with ACL" Webinar on Implementation Planning for the APS Final Rule

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Register for the webinar

Join ACL for the first webinar in a new webinar series to assist with implementation of this rule. The "LIVE with ACL" technical assistance webinar series will address topics of interest based on feedback from APS state directors and other stakeholders.

The first webinar in the series will explore effective planning strategies. This webinar will feature two planning worksheets to assist APS programs and delve into the importance of planning for implementation of the 2028 APS final rule now.

Presenters:

• Erin Kee, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services
• Michael Biscoff, Strategy/Strategic Planning Subject Matter Expert, APS TARC
• Jennifer Kirchen, Senior Research Associate, APS TARC

As part of ACL's stewardship of the APS rule in the coming year, we will be providing a robust set of training and technical assistance resources through webinars, tip sheets, FAQs, and other materials. ACL will be conducting APS final rule webinars and listening sessions every 2nd Thursday of each month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET. The first topics scheduled are:

• Planning for compliance
  • Webinar: October 17, 2024
  • Listening session: November 14, 2024
• Definitions
  • Webinar: December 12, 2024
  • Listening session: January 9, 2025

Additional planned topics include client consent, accepting reports, dual relationships, state plans, program performance reporting, and more. We will post updates to the schedule on the APS Final Rule page.

About the APS TARC and NATC

The purpose of ACL's APS TARC is to enhance the effectiveness of APS programs. In coordination with ACL's Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, the APS TARC works with state and local APS programs to improve reporting of data through the NAMRS, identify promising practices, support communities of practice among ACL grantees, and provide technical assistance to state APS programs.

ACL's NATC serves as a source of quality education for APS professionals throughout the United States. free access to training on priority topics including providing protective services; investigating cases; reducing risk for people who have experienced abuse, neglect and exploitation; supervising and leading the modern APS workforce; and incorporating culturally responsive, strengths-based, and person-centered approaches.

APS programs across the country support older adults and adults with disabilities who experience, or who are at risk of, maltreatment or self-neglect. APS programs investigate reports of maltreatment; conduct case planning, monitoring, and evaluation; and provide (or connect people to) a variety of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, and other protective, emergency, or support services to help them recover.