This course is designed to provide in-depth information about the abuse of elders and dependent adults.  It examines the different types and the extent of the most prevalent forms of abuse and neglect.  For example, financial abuse of the elderly is closely examined, as it is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation.  Readers are provided with case studies and related exercises. 

This course also offers an examination of the warning signs for the different types of abuse.  These warning signs help the social worker or therapist to identify the need to investigate suspected abuse and/or neglect.  Since many abuse and neglect cases involve family members as the perpetrators, there is a discussion about the characteristics of perpetrators and how to assess abusive situations within a family. 

1. Meeting California Licensing Requirements
   
   This course can be used to meet the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) required pre-license and license renewal coursework in "Aging and Long-term Care."



2. Continuing Education and Professional Development
   
   This course is designed for any California social worker or mental health professional, licensed and non-licensed, who works directly or indirectly with elders or dependent adults. It is also appropriate for social work students who have an interest in gerontology.

At the end of this module, the reader will better understand the following:

1. Demographics of aging and elder abuse in California.



2. Mandated reporting and non-mandated reporting categories of abuse in California.



3. Types, dynamics, and prevalence of the different categories of abuse.



4. Warning signs of abuse and neglect in victims and perpetrators.



5. Causational theories in the field of elder and dependent adult abuse.



6. Mandated reporting requirements for abuse of elders and dependent adults.



7. Key concepts and prevalence of elder financial abuse.



8. The cycle of domestic violence and the three phases.