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Webinars

EJI Federal Partner Presentations

June 21, 2022

Judges who preside over guardianship cases are required to make determinations of capacity and to decide whether a guardianship is necessary to protect individuals who are unable to make decisions in their own behalf. Developed for judges by judges from 22 states, the new Guardianship Evaluation Worksheet is a 2-page fillable and printable PDF containing a checklist of relevant factors designed to aid judges in integrating information from multiple sources. The tool also helps judges weigh potential risk factors for abuse in guardianships.

Speakers:

  • Bonnie Olsen, PhD, Vice Chair for Research, Professor of Clinical Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
  • Honorable Susie L. Norby, Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon

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Runtime: 1:00:45

June 15, 2022

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), June 15th, get the latest data and resources you can use to promote elder justice all year long.

The #WEAAD615 challenge encourages people around the world to engage their friends, family, and colleagues by sharing facts about elder abuse and how to prevent it. This year, federal agencies will take this challenge with a twist, sharing 6 facts about elder abuse, 1 action the agency will take, and 5 resources or tips you can use to promote elder justice.

Hear from the NCEA and our partners: Administration for Community Living (ACL), Elder Justice Initiative at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security Administration (SSA), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center (SMP Resource Center).

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Runtime: 1:30:40

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January 27, 2022

Many older adults have been exposed to trauma in their lifetime. They may have been exposed to violence, discrimination, natural disasters or have survived a past crime.

The accumulation of past trauma experiences can exacerbate symptoms related to a current trauma.

In this webinar, attendees will learn:

  • the importance of referring older survivors of crime to counseling services,
  • the factors that increase an older adult's risk for future victimization,
  • how counseling services can help a survivor and aid in your professional role,
  • and what types of counseling resources are available to older adults.

Issues pertaining to cultural sensitivity and ethical dilemmas will be explored.

Speaker:

Sheri Gibson, PhD
Dr. Gibson received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Geropsychology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). She is an instructor and clinical supervisor for the Psychology Department at UCCS and a faculty affiliate with the UCCS Gerontology Center. Dr. Gibson serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, is a member of the Research Committee for the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), and a member of the Pikes Peak Elder Abuse Coalition.

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Runtime: 52:00

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November 18, 2021

Financial powers of attorney are legal tools commonly used to plan for the possibility that an adult may need help with financial decision-making in the future, but they can be used to steal money and property. Presenters will discuss common scenarios and recent prosecutions.

Presenters:

  • Timothy L. Vavricek, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Iowa
  • Chantelle Smith, Assistant Attorney General, Iowa Attorney General's Office

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Runtime: 1:00:06

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October 21, 2021

A restraining order is an order issued by a state court with the purpose of preventing one person from harming another person. There are several different types of restraining orders embedded in state law. Approximately sixteen states have an elder abuse restraining order statute, typically embedded in adult protective services code, including California. Learn how one county-level adult protective services program in California implemented their restraining order statute. Overcoming some initial challenges, the presenters will share their lessons learned.

Speakers:

  • Julie Orozco, LCSW, Regional Manager, Riverside County DPSS, Adult Services Division
  • Raymond M. Mistica, JD, Office of County Counsel, County of Riverside

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Runtime: 59:19

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September 30, 2021

Guardianship is one approach to providing support and assistance to adults who need help with decision-making about finances and personal issues. However, as recent high-profile and less visible cases illustrate, guardianship can also infringe on personal rights and can lead to mistreatment of older adults and adults with disabilities.

Join us for a webinar to discuss current trends and challenges in state guardianship systems, policies and practice. Using real-life guardianship scenarios, the webinar will explore ways to maximize autonomy and ensure accountability throughout the guardianship process. Presenters will discuss less restrictive alternatives to guardianship as well as ways to improve adjudication and post-appointment oversight of guardians.

Speakers:

  • Alison Hirschel, Managing Attorney and Director, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
  • Nicole Shannon, Systemic Advocate Attorney, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative

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Runtime: 58:53

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June 9, 2021

In the face of the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the elder justice community has found opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and educate to mitigate the risks of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This webinar will highlight prominent elder justice issues and resources to strengthen the elder justice movement as we rebuild from the pandemic. Attendees will learn about tools and tips to enhance their elder abuse outreach and response efforts and strategies to spark community engagement.

Join us for a national conversation and hear from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and our partners at Administration for Community Living (ACL), Elder Justice Initiative at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

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Runtime: 1:29:44

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April 13, 2021

Features a Federal and State partnership that successfully fought against computerized autodialing “robocall” scammers.

Presenters:

  • Jolee Porter, Assistant US Attorney, Northern District of Georgia, currently detailed to the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force at the US DOJ Consumer Protection Branch
  • Jon Heslep, Senior Special Agent, Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration
  • Margaret Moore, Detective, Aiken Department of Public Safety, Aiken, South Carolina

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Runtime: 57:42

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March 4, 2021

Learn about three distinct programs designed specifically for older adults who have experienced financial exploitation.

Presenters:

  • Debbie Deem, Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Coordinator, Ventura County, CA, and retired FBI Victim Specialist
  • Jennifer Mays, Victim Support Program Supervisor, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
  • Christine Kenny, Money Management Program Manager, Iona Senior Services, Washington, DC

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Runtime: 56:37

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October 22, 2020

Join us for a presentation by experienced prosecutors who will explore some of the obstacles they have faced in prosecuting elder abuse cases and how they have overcome those challenges to get good results for victims. Topics will include victim and witness cognition, responses from law enforcement and evidence gathering, and how the judiciary responds to these cases.

Learn about their techniques and the resources they depend upon to do their work and why civil actions are important. Also, find out what remains on their wish list of prosecutor needs and why they continue to do this work.

Presenters:

  • Amy Mix, Chief, Elder Justice Section, Office of the Attorney General, District of Columbia
  • Arlene Markarian, Chief, Elder Abuse Unit, Nassau County (NY) District Attorney's Office
  • Jennifer Mika, AAG, Domestic Violence and Special Victims Unit, Office of the Attorney General, District of Columbia
  • Moderator: Judith Kozlowski, JD, DOJ Elder Justice Initiative

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Runtime: 58:52

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October 8, 2020

There has been growing attention focused on the decision-making capacity of older adults in the context of financial exploitation, with an accompanying increase in requests for capacity assessments. Yet little empirical evidence about capacity assessments is available. In this webinar, two scholars compiling data on the administration of decision-making capacity assessments for older adults will share what they have learned. Sara Qualls will describe data from her Integrated Care Community Project and George Demakis will describe his findings from a study of court-ordered capacity assessments in a large urban county in North Carolina.

Presenters:

  • Sara Qualls, Professor, Psychology Department, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
  • George Demakis, Professor, Psychological Science and Health Psychology, University of North Carolina Charlotte

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Runtime: 1:00:58

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July 14, 2020

Join us for the webinar, The Neuroscience behind Financial Scams. Older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams and experience of range of harms resulting from their victimization. At times our response is incredulous and at times sympathetic. What is nearly universal is a lack of understanding of why older adults fall victim to these scams. Using brain science and psychological principles, Erik Lande, a neuropsychologist, will guide attendees through an explanation of the mechanisms that facilitate vulnerability to financial scams. Debbie Deem, a former FBI victim specialist who worked frequently with scam victims, will discuss the challenges victims and law enforcement experience, as well as strategies and resources that can assist victims and their families.

Speakers:

  • Erik Lande, Insight Neuropsychology, and Consultant, Ventura Adult Protective Services
  • Debbie Deem, Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST) Coordinator Ventura County, and retired FBI victim specialist

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Runtime: 1:00:04

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June 18, 2020

Join us for the webinar, Lifting Up Voices: Law Enforcement WEAAD Celebration. During World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), we want to take this opportunity to celebrate America’s law enforcement officers. Federal agencies will be joined by Officer Steven McGhee with the Paradise Valley Police Department (Arizona) in lifting up the voices of law enforcement by recognizing and commending their tireless work in combatting elder abuse throughout our country, and continuing to serve as first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, we are grateful.

Presenters:

Officer Steven McGhee, Paradise Valley Police Department, and staff with the National Center on Elder Abuse, the Elder Justice Initiative, and the COPS Office.

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Runtime: 58:41

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June 2, 2020

Join us for the webinar, State Elder Justice Coalitions: Informing Services and Influencing Public Policy. With increased attention to elder justice, Elder Justice Coalitions are forming throughout the country. While their composition varies, state Elder Justice Coalitions address such issues as public policy, practice, professional training, and public awareness. Members of the National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions (NNSEJC) Steering Committee will illustrate examples from coalitions across the nation. Topics include development and structure; priorities and notable accomplishments; sustainability; and the roles of the NNSEJC. Time will be allotted to answer attendee questions.

Presenters:

National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions Steering Committee’s Lisa NerenbergGeorgia AnetzbergerRisa BreckmanIris Freeman, and Paul Caccamise

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Runtime: 55:45

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April 14, 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and new legislation have changed many of the rules in Medicare to respond to COVID-19. This webinar will focus on the changes to Medicare that most impact low-income older adults.

Presenters:

  • Amber Christ
  • Natalie Kean

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Runtime: 53:28

April 10, 2020

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made many changes to its policies and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes impact all areas of the agency—the local offices, each state’s Disability Determination Service, and the hearing offices. This webinar will provide an overview of these changes, and offer suggestions for how advocates can interact with SSA during this unusual time.

Presenter:

  • Kate Lang, Justice in Aging

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Runtime: 33:37

April 3, 2020

The current outbreak of COVID-19 presents particular danger to residents of nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities. This webinar will cover recent policy changes by federal and state governments, and discuss the challenges and choices faced by residents.

Presenter:

  • Eric Carlson, Justice in Aging

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Runtime: 32:00

October 24, 2019

This webinar will highlight newly developed online legal forms designed for use by older adults, or caregivers or providers assisting them, to mitigate and protect against common forms of abuse and financial exploitation. The forms are available for free to older adults, and nonprofit legal services providers and older adult-serving organizations assisting individuals with these issues, and can be used in any state. Panelists will discuss why these forms where selected, discuss potential use cases for the forms, and how to access them. This webinar will also highlight additional resources to support safe and effective uses of technology by older adults.

Panelists:

  • Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net (moderator)
  • Claudia Johnson, Pro Bono Net
  • Molly White, Center for Elder Law & Justice

This project is supported by grant number 2017-VF-GX-K135, U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), for the FY 2017 Field-Generated Innovations in Addressing Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Project. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Runtime: 55:02

October 15, 2019

This webinar will highlight examples of projects in two additional regions – one urban, and one rural -- in which the Legal Risk Detector is being used successfully expand outreach and referral efforts to older adults on elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation issues. Panelists will discuss differences in these service models, the community partners involved, and factors to consider when designing similar projects. Attendees will also learn about resources and information available for programs interested in adopting the Risk Detector or developing a similar project in their local communities.

Panelists:

  • Tim Baran, Pro Bono Net (moderator)
  • Donna Dougherty, JASA
  • Shah'ada Shaban, LSNC

This project is supported by grant number 2017-VF-GX-K135, U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), for the FY 2017 Field-Generated Innovations in Addressing Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Project. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Runtime: 1:00:34

September 26, 2019

This webinar will introduce the goals of this series, and the need for novel approaches to addressing elder abuse and financial exploitation among older Americans. Panelists will then provide an overview of the Legal Risk Detector project, an innovative tool and community partnership model designed to screen, identify and refer older adults facing these issues to legal services. The webinar will spotlight the use of the Legal Risk Detector within Center for Elder Law & Justice to more comprehensively reach and service older adults vulnerable to these issues in the Buffalo, New York region.

Panelists:

  • Liz Keith, Pro Bono Net (moderator)
  • Melissa Woods, Center for Elder Law & Justice
  • Mary Jo Wasch, Erie County Senior Services

This project is supported by grant number 2017-VF-GX-K135, U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), for the FY 2017 Field-Generated Innovations in Addressing Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Project. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Runtime: 51:53

June 11, 2019

The Department of Justice, in commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this weekend, hosted a roundtable discussion with judges from around the country who will share their views and experiences from the bench presiding over elder abuse or financial exploitation cases. The discussion was moderated by Katherine Sullivan, Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women.

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Runtime: 1:55:31

June 7, 2019

This webinar will showcase innovations highlighting all the latest in-demand tools created by organizations that are committed to providing consumer and professional education, and dedicated to the goal of justice for all. The event features:

  • Administration for Community Living (ACL),
  • National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
  • Elder Justice Initiative at the Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Social Security Administration (SSA), Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

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Runtime: 1:33:08

April 9, 2019

Experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans highlight the findings from its new report, Suspicious Activity Reports on Elder Financial Exploitation: Issues and Trends. The webinar provides key facts, trends, and patterns revealed in these Suspicious Activity Reports—or SARs—filed by banks, credit unions, money transmitters, and other financial services providers. Presenters discuss the implications of these findings and next steps.

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Runtime: 58:20

December 20, 2018

Bankers, brokers, and investment advisors are often some of the first trusted parties to see signs of financial exploitation. This presentation will support the work already done by financial services members and provide additional information about how to access training programs and support for tellers and other financial professionals who want to report financial exploitation and work collaboratively with others in their communities to prevent it.

Please join with host Judith Kozlowski, J.D., consultant and subject matter expert with DOJ's Elder Justice Initiative, and presenter Lisa Bleier, J.D., Managing Director and Associate General Counsel at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), and the lead on its Senior Investor Protection efforts. Also presenting is Billie McNeeley, Financial Exploitation Specialist, Aging & People with Disabilities at the Oregon Department of Human Services.

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Runtime: 1:00:00

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November 9, 2018

Presenters Jason Burnett, Co-Director of the Texas Elder Abuse & Mistreatment Institute (TEAM), Co-Director of the TEAM-Forensic Assessment Center Network, Tammy Sever (Nevada), and Michele Knittle (Nevada) discuss the unique, but not insurmountable, challenges facing rural MDTs.

This webinar will dive into the issues faced by real-world rural MDTs while highlighting the good work, resources, and innovations that can serve as examples of what is possible.

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Runtime: 1:00:00

November 1, 2018

In this webinar, host Maria Shumar and presenter Gina Bohr, Program Analyst, Pension and Fiduciary Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, discuss the various Veterans Benefits Administration programs, and the protections and preventive measures an older adult can put in place. The webinar will also address how to respond after there is an incident of abuse.

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Runtime: 1:00:00

October 26, 2018

In this webinar, learn how your community might increase access to capacity assessments that can assist in cases where the determination of elder abuse may depend upon the older adult’s capacity.

Host:
Shelly Jackson, OVC Visiting Fellow, Elder Justice Initiative

Presenters:
John M. Halphen, MD, JD Associate Professor, Geriatric and Palliative Medicine TEAM Institute  University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,
Bonnie J. Olsen, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Family Medicine and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and
David Franklin, PsyD, MHA, Neuropsychologist, Director of the Elder Abuse Forensic Center, Director of the UCR Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program, Associate Clinical Professor, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

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Runtime: 1:00:00

October 23, 2018

State prosecutors are invaluable to the cause of elder justice, particularly in states with large rural areas, but where can they turn for the support they need to effectively do their jobs?  This webinar will explore ways to break down the silos by highlighting elder justice resources and training currently available to support their work.

Presenters:
Erin Martinelli, Director of Training Project Development
Amanda Martin, Assistant CEO
Laura Bell, Director of Publications and Communications, California District Attorneys Association
Ryan Painter, Director, Elder Justice & At-Risk Adults Project, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
Jamie Renner, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Vermont Attorney General
Page Ulrey, Senior Prosecuting Attorney, Elder Abuse Project, King County Prosecutor’s Office

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Runtime: 1:00:00

October 9, 2018

Elder abuse is a growing issue faced by older adults, and the effects of abuse can negatively impact the physical health, mental well-being, and financial stability of victims. The challenges of elder abuse prevention, detection, and litigation are heightened for older adults who are less connected to resources. Older adults who are isolated, either situationally or geographically, often have challenges accessing the help they need to prevent against and seek help following elder abuse.

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Runtime: 59:02

February 13, 2018

Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 older adults is abused each year, or that abuse is dramatically underreported, with only about 1 in every 23 cases being reported to Adult Protective Services? Senior Corps grantees can – and often already do – play an important role in helping change these statistics by helping prevent elder abuse and protect the vulnerable older Americans they serve. In this webinar, Maria Shumar, Victim Specialist Consultant at the Elder Justice Initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice joined us to offer an overview of elder abuse, including the different types of elder abuse, how to spot warning signs and what you can do to prevent or stop elder abuse in your community. Shannon Gadd also joined us from ElderServe, in Louisville, Kentucky. ElderServe has integrated protection and victim support into its Senior Companion Program. Shannon spoke to us about why they made that choice, how it works practically and the feedback they have received from the community. This is the first in a series of three webinars conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice. **Shannon also shared some of ElderServe's resources with Senior Corps, which we've included in the Additional References section. Take a look!**

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Runtime: 1:00:18  

November 30, 2017

Learn about the fiduciary service at the VBA and how they protect older adult VA beneficiaries by appointing and conducting oversight of fiduciaries who manage VA benefits. Case examples of misuse are provided.

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Runtime: 18:43  

July 2017

Terri Bellamy, Special Agent and National Victim's Coordinator, TIGTA, hosts this informative presentation about IRS impersonation scams and how the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) combats criminal activities and scams that may target older adults. Learn also how TIGTA can assist these victims in finding resources. 

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Runtime: 41:04  

June 2016

Unit Chief Sharon Peyus, ICE HSI Victim Assistance Program and Management Oversight Unit, hosts a discussion featuring Senior Training Program Manager Scott Santoro, DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, National Program Manager and Special Agent Carl Andren, ICE HSI Illicit Finance and Proceeds of Crime Unit, National Program Manager Donna Hatfield, ICE HSI Victim Assistance Program.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducts investigations into financial crimes, especially those that target older adults. This webinar describes the role of Victim Assistance Specialists at the DHS Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and explains how they assist older adults and provide tips on how victim specialists can help older adults to avoid financial scams, including identity theft and telemarketing scams.

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Runtime: 33:08

April 2016

Jane Lee, Director of the Financial Crime Resource Center, National Center for Victims of Crime, hosts a discussion featuring Sharon Miller, US Potal Inspection Service General Analyst, Harrisonburg, PA Fraud Team, and Kathy Martin-Jax, US Potal Inspection Service National Victim's Specialist.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigates scams that occur through the U.S. mail. This webinar focuses on two specific scams that target older adults: Romance Scams and Lottery Scams. This webinar discusses real case examples and how Postal Inspectors, Analysts, and Victim Specialists work together to help older adults.

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Runtime: 37:04

January 13, 2016

Kate Manning, Attorney Advisor, Victim Witness Staff, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, hosts a discussion featuring Maria Shumar, Victim Specialists Consultant, DOJ Elder Justice Initiative, Jelahn Stewart, Chief Victim Witness Assistance Unit, U.S. Attorney's Office, DC, Chris Griffiths, Supervisory Victim Witness Specialists, U.S. Attorney's Office, MDFL,and  Felice Weiler, Victim Witness Specialists, U.S. Attorney's Office, NDIL.

United States Attorneys’ Offices works on a wide array of matters that impact older adults.  This webinar focuses on special considerations for Assistant United States Attorneys and victim assistance personnel in working with elderly victims. Issues discussed include physical and cognitive issues that may impact the interview and trial testimony of elderly victims, the role of family members in speaking on behalf of the victim, identifying and responding to potential elder abuse, and the importance of teamwork in providing a cohesive and effective response to elderly victims. Physical, sexual, and financial abuse cases are also discussed.

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Runtime: 33:18