Continuing Education & Professional Development
Domestic Violence in Later Life
Overview: In the past, domestic violence referred to “battered women” while elder abuse was attributed to stressed out and overwhelmed caregivers. We now know that the problems are much more complex. In this workshop, we will examine power and control issues in family relationships and explore the barriers which prevent older victims from changing their situation. Strategies for engaging and interviewing victims will be addressed. Collaboration and connection among agencies/ providers/disciplines who serve the vulnerable elderly will be explored as well.
Objectives: Participants will: 1) distinguish between caregiver stress and power and control issues as they relate to older victims of abuse; 2) describe barriers that older victims face in leaving the situation; 3) describe strategies for engaging and techniques for interviewing the victim; 4) identify ways that individuals and programs can more effectively collaborate so that victims do not “fall through the cracks.”
Method(s) of Instruction: Lecture with Power Point, discussion, video, experiential exercises, and handouts.
Fee: $125
CE Contact Hours: 5
Date(s): Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Time: 9:30am–3:30pm
Instructor: Ms. Susan Castaño
Susan Castaño, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her expertise is in Elder Abuse and Adult Protective Services. Retired from her position as APS supervisor since 2000, Susan now does extensive training and consulting work. She is a principal trainer and curriculum developer in the APS New Worker Certification Training through Rutgers School of Social Work, Continuing Education and Professional Development Program. She served as Program Coordinator for Rutgers SSW, Continuing Education Program for eight years. She provides workshops and trainings locally and nationally on the diverse and challenging issues presented by elder care and elder mistreatment. She also provides train the trainer workshops and supervision/management related workshops. She is on the Board of Directors of the National Adult Protective Services Association chairing their Education Committee.