Advancing Professional Training for Adult Protective Services Workers: A Gerontology Professional Certificate...

Adult Protective Services (APS) programs are mandated throughout all states in the United States. APS provides support and services to vulnerable adults to improve the safety, well-being, and independence of adults coping with abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation. This study investigated the impact of a 15-module online professional gerontology training program for APS workers in a rural state situated in the Appalachian Mountain region of the United States. The project was a partnership between the state APS office and a university-based research team, and focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of the online training program. A total of 82 APS workers throughout the state completed the program. Using a mixed methods research design, quantitative and qualitative outcome data indicated program efficacy for improving APS worker content knowledge in gerontology and participant satisfaction with the program.