Institute on Protective Services
The Institute on Protective Services at Temple University Harrisburg provides education and consultation to human services and law enforcement professionals on identifying, investigating, and resolving cases of elder abuse and victimization of vulnerable adults. The Institute is supported through funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Available training opportunities for APS and OAPS staff
The courses listed below are open for enrollment. The course description, outline and additional information can be found by clicking on the course name. The list can be filtered by using the “Choose Your Training” option on the left side of the page.
Enrollment is only available to adult protective services (APS) and older adults protective services (OAPS) staff and is not available to the public.
Courses that are full or not open cannot be accessed or viewed.
If you have questions regarding the training courses, please contact Pamela Tereo at pamela.tereo@temple.edu
Choose Your Training:
The list of available courses is below. It can be sorted by clicking on the appropriate table heading (e.g., course name or campus).
| Course Name | Campus | Start Date | End Date | Start Time | End Time | Days of the Week | Checkout |
|---|
Our Mission
To prevent, respond, and when necessary, obtain justice for victimized elders and other vulnerable adults.
The Institute on Protective Services at Temple University Harrisburg provides education and consultation to human services and law enforcement professionals on identifying, investigating, and resolving cases of elder abuse and victimization of vulnerable adults. The Institute is supported through funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Training Topics offered by the Institute on Protective Services
Protective Services Basic Training - This is mandatory training for APS and OAPS staff who will conduct protective services investigations. OAPS participants must complete the PDA OAPS Intake Worker Training curriculum located on PDA's LMS website before attending this course. This prerequisite is not a requirement for APS participants.
Protective Services Five Year Refresher Training - Required for all Protective Services supervisors and Caseworkers. This is mandatory training. Any staff member involved in older adult protective services must take this course starting in the fifth year after completing Basic Protective Services Training and every five years thereafter. This requirement is in addition to the annual PS Enrichment training requirement.
Protective Services Enrichment Training - Protective Services staff are required to attend annually, as listed below:
- OAPS staff are required to attend one day of approved enrichment training (defined as 6 hours) per calendar year (January to December).
- APS staff are required to attend 40 hours of approved training per calendar year (April to March).
Protective Services Supervisors' Training - Required annually for all Protective Services Supervisors, per § 15.127 In-service Training of the regulations. Training shall consist of a minimum of one day (defined as 6 hours). This training is in addition to the required annual PS enrichment training. The requirement is based on a calendar year and is in addition to the annual PS Enrichment training requirement.
Training Courses
Protective Services Basic Training (IPS0110)
Instructors: Caroline Burnell, MS, CFE, Donna Creager, Adrienne Gardina
Format: Classroom, in-person (week 4)
Location: Temple University Harrisburg Campus (week 4)
Basic Training is mandatory training for adult protective services (APS) and older adults protective services (OAPS) staff who will conduct protective services investigations.
The training is focused on the basic knowledge and tools needed to conduct thorough and comprehensive investigations. Training modules are based on APS and OAPS regulations.
Participants must complete all training assignments and meet all requirements to receive credit.
This training is held over 5 weeks and consists of prerequisite modules taken at your agency, classroom training held at the Harrisburg
campus of Temple University, job shadowing, and several knowledge evaluations.
This training has been developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS),
the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A), protective services practitioners, and the Institute on Protective Services at
Temple University (Institute).
5 Week Session Dates (FY 2026-27)
- (001) Session 1: July 13 – Aug. 14, 2026
- TUH Classroom Session: Aug. 04-07, 2026 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is July 06, 2026
- (002) Session 2: Aug. 03 – Sept. 04, 2026
- TUH Classroom Session: Aug. 25-28, 2026 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is July 27, 2026
- (003) Session 3: Sept. 07 – Oct. 09, 2026
- TUH Classroom Session: Sept. 29 – Oct. 02, 2026 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Aug. 31, 2026
- (004) Session 4: Oct. 05 – Nov. 06, 2026
- TUH Classroom Session: Oct. 27 – 30, 2026 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Sept. 28, 2026
- (005) Session 5: Nov. 16 – Dec. 18, 2026
- TUH Classroom Session: Dec. 08-11, 2026 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Nov. 09, 2026
- (006) Session 6: Jan. 04 – Feb. 05, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: Jan. 26-29, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Dec. 22, 2026
- (007) Session 7: Feb. 01 – Mar. 05, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: Feb. 23-26, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Jan. 25, 2027
- (008) Session 8: Feb. 22 – Mar. 26, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: Mar. 16-19, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is Feb. 16, 2027
- (009) Session 9: Mar. 29 – April 30, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: April 20-23, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is March 22, 2027
- (010) Session 10: April 26 – May 28, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: May 18-21, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is April 19, 2027
- (011) Session 11: May 31 – July 02, 2027
- TUH Classroom Session: June 22-25, 2027 (week 4)
- LAST DAY TO ENROLL is May 24, 2027
Protective Services Five Year Refresher – OAPS ONLY (IPS0098)
Location: online, PDA LMS
The Five Year Refresher Course reviews core requirements of protective services along with any updates and new laws affecting protective services.
- This is a mandatory Training. Any staff member involved in older adult protective services must take this course starting in the fifth year after completing Basic Protective Services Training and every five years thereafter.
This training includes but is not limited to:
- full-time and part-time protective services caseworkers
- back-up/on-call/standby protective services caseworkers
- protective services supervisors and backup supervisors
- agency administrators who participate in the program either as backup investigators, supervisors, or clinical advisors
This class is a self-paced, self-study course located on PDA's Learning Management System (LMS) hosted by P4A.
- Below is a PDA LMS link and navigation path to access the training course (The course is listed in the LMS Course Catalog, under the Protective Services training category):
- COURSE LINK: Course Catalog > Protective Services > PS Five-Year Refresher Training Course
- NOTE: LMS users must have the 'Protective Services' training category enabled for their Course Catalog to access this training course. If not already enabled, click here to add/remove training categories.
- All four modules and the knowledge evaluation can be completed at any time during the year but must be completed by December 31st.
- Once all the course requirements are fulfilled, the LMS system will generate a certificate of completion. Provide a copy of the certificate to your PS Supervisor.
- It is estimated that the course and knowledge evaluation will take about 4 hours to complete.
For technical assistance with PDA's LMS or to submit an accessibility request, please contact the PDA LMS Help Center.
Protective Services Enrichment Training Courses
Enrichment Annual Requirement
- All OAPS staff are required to attend one day of approved enrichment training (defined as 6 hours) per calendar year (January to December).
- All APS staff are required to attend 40 hours of approved training per calendar year (April to March).
Fall 2026 (September to December) - Enrichment Topics
Topic: Adult Mental Health First Aid
Course:IPS0089
Description: Did you know you are more likely to witness someone having a panic attack than a heart attack? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan to recognize warning signs of mental health or substance use challenges, provide help in crisis and non-crisis situations, and understand where to turn for additional assistance. MHFA training reduces stigma, improves knowledge, and increases first-aid actions toward people experiencing challenges.
Presenter: Donna Creager
Duration:This is a 6-hour blended course, consisting of a 2-hour online self-paced prerequisite module, followed by a 4-hour instructor-led session, which is split over two days.
Format: Connect LMS and presented live, over Zoom Meeting.
Dates:(Available to those who have not already completed the course)
Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15, 2026
The instructor-led portion of this course is presented over two days. Attendance on both days is required.
Enrollment Availability: 30 spots.
Topic: Documenting on Purpose: Turning Interviews into Clear Documentation
Course:IPS0126
Description: Effective investigations rely on more than just gathering evidence, it depends on documenting information clearly and accurately. As the saying goes, “If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.” In this highly interactive training, learners will explore best practices for conducting interviews that gather crucial information through active listening and focused questioning. Participants will also apply documentation best practices to record information in a clear, concise, and objective manner that accurately reflects the circumstances and supports investigative determinations.
Presenter: Donna Creager, Adriene Gardina
Duration: 6-hours
Format: In-person, classroom training
Dates:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Westmoreland County AAA
Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Temple University, Ambler Campus Learning Center
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Borough of State College Municipal Building
Enrollment Availability: 30 spots per training session.
Topic: Image-Based Sexual Abuse and the Pennsylvania Crimes Code
*Advanced Enrichment Topic
Course: IPS0127
Description: : Image-based sexual abuse is most closely associated with adolescents and young adults. However, image-based sexual abuse and the misuse of photos, videos, and audio recordings are emerging concerns affecting all ages, including care-dependent persons in long-term care and other settings. Protective services workers play an important role in recognizing these forms of abuse, understanding their impact on victims, and responding appropriately. This training provides an overview of image-based sexual abuse, its emotional and psychological effects, collaboration with law enforcement, and the mandated reporting responsibilities of protective services workers. Participants will also review the June 2021 amendment to §2713.1 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which expanded the definition of abuse of a care-dependent person to include the creation or distribution of audio recordings, videos, or still images intended to ridicule or demean the individual. By the end of this training, participants will have a foundational understanding of this emerging issue and its relevance to protective services.
Presenters: Donna Creager
Duration: 3-hours
Format: Presented live, over Zoom Meeting
Dates:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Enrollment Availability: 30 spots per training session.
Topic: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Fraud and Scams
Course: IPS0128
Description: Financial fraud losses in the United States continue to rise. The Federal Trade Commission reported “a striking increase in reported fraud losses to all types of fraud” for 2025.1 The amount reported, about $16 billion, represented almost a 25% increase from the 2024 figure.2 The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported similar increases with cyber-crime.3 The $20.877 billion in financial losses reported to the FBI represented a 26% increase from 2024. These increases are being fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). AI is transforming the nature of financial frauds and scams, making older detection methods obsolete. Join us in this session to learn about the impact of AI and ways in which it can be detected.
Presenters: David Shallcross, Director of the Senior Protection Unit, Office of the Attorney General and Caroline Burnell, Director, Institute on Protective Services
Duration: 3-hours
Format: Presented live, over Zoom Webinar
Dates: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Enrollment Availability: 300 spots available.
Topic: Safety Tips for Protective Service Workers (Course IPS0120)
Course: IPS0120
Description: This training is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to safety risks encountered while working in the field. Through a blend of real-world discussion and practical strategies, learners will strengthen their ability to maintain situational awareness and apply de-escalation techniques. The course will address key safety considerations for completing fieldwork, with a strong emphasis on personal safety and de-escalation. What makes this training unique is its person-centered and interactive approach. Learners will review a variety of real-life scenarios and vote on their top choices for an in-depth, round table discussion during the training. Large group discussion will allow learners to analyze the assigned scenarios, share lived experiences, and exchange practical strategies for managing risk to combine insights and best practices.
Presenters: Adrienne Gardina
Duration: 3-hours
Format: Presented live, over Zoom Meeting
Dates:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Enrollment Availability: 30 spots per training session.
Schedule at a Glance (Fall 2026)
| MONTH | DATE | ENRICHMENT TITLE | LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | T. Sep 1 | Safety Tips for Protective Service Workers | 3 hours |
| W. Sep 9 | Safety Tips for Protective Service Workers | 3 hours | |
| T. Sep 15 | Documentation Training | 6 hours | |
| October | T. Oct 6 | Image-Based Sexual Abuse and the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Advanced Topic) | 3 hours |
| W. Oct. 7 | The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Fraud and Scams | 3 hours | |
| Th. Oct 8 | Documentation Training | 6 hours | |
| W. Oct 14 | Safety Tips for Protective Service Workers | 3 hours | |
| Oct 14 & 15 | Adult Mental Health First Aid | 6 hours | |
| November | Th. Nov 5 | Image-Based Sexual Abuse and the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Advanced Topic) | 3 hours |
| T. Nov 10 | Documentation Training | 6 hours | |
| December | W. Dec 16 | Safety Tips for Protective Service Workers | 3 hours |
Questions about the Institute on Protective Services or a training course?
| Contact Person: | Pamela Tereo, Project Manager, Institute on Protective Services at Temple University Harrisburg |
|---|---|
| Email Address: | pamela.tereo@temple.edu |
| Telephone Number: | (717) 232-6400 |
| Program Office Address: |
234 Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17101 |
| Office Hours: |
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |