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Training Materials

Knowledge is power! The Coalition’s goal is to provide educational resources and opportunities to individuals, families, and professionals to promote elder rights, prevent elder abuse before it occurs, and know how to recognize and respond to elder abuse when it does occur.

For the Public

Anyone who suspects that an older adult is being abused should not hesitate to report abuse to the CT Department of Social Services, Elderly Protective Services Unit. Knowing how to recognize the signs of possible abuse and where you should report your suspicions is the first step toward stopping the abuse from occurring. The resources below provide the general public with the information they need to take that first step.

Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

DSS Protective Services for the Elderly Web-based Training for Members of the General Public

For Mandated Reporters in Connecticut

In Connecticut, certain professionals are mandated by law to report suspected abuse within 24 hours to the Department of Social Services, Protective Services for the Elderly Unit. Here you will find the information you need to determine if you are a mandated reporter and to understand your legal responsibilities.

Report Elder Abuse

DSS Protective Services for the Elderly Web-based Training for Mandated Reporters
Offers a certificate of completion

For Financial Agents in Connecticut

A “financial agent” is defined by law as “an officer or employee of a financial institution… who has direct contact with an elderly person within the officer’s or employee’s scope of employment or professional practice, or (2) approves an elderly person’s financial documents record or transactions.” (CGS Sec. 17b-463)

While in Connecticut financial agents are not mandated reporters, they are mandated by law to be trained to recognize the signs of elder abuse and how to report if they suspect elder abuse. Find free training resources for financial agents here.

Connecticut Department of Banking Training
The Connecticut Department of Banking offers free training to help financial professionals – including banks, credit unions, and investment advisers – to recognize and report possible elder financial exploitation. The training provides a rundown of typical red flags of elder abuse and relevant information on how to conduct referrals of suspected cases of financial abuse.

Free Training Module for Financial Agents
Training resources for financial agents on elder abuse and exploitation. The module provides general information about recognizing red flags that may indicate a person is being victimized and reporting information.

For Conservators in Connecticut

Conservators are fiduciaries appointed by the probate court to oversee the finances and personal affairs of a person who is unable to manage their own affairs. Conservators have an important responsibility and should advocate for the rights of the conserved person to ensure that the individual is safe from all forms of abuse. The Connecticut Probate Court Administration provides conservators with online training to understand their responsibilities and the ethical standards of practice for conservators.

Resources for Conservators

For Law Enforcement

Law enforcement professionals may be the first to see signs of abuse. Resources such as the “CT Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement” and the U.S. Department of Justice, EAGLE website provide useful information and tools for law enforcement to utilize when investigating and working with an older adult who may be a victim of abuse.

CT Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement

Department of Justice EAGLE (Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement)