Senior Citizens, Inc. (SCI), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people age successfully, and Georgia Southern University have joined together to co-host the annual Elder Abuse Conference in downtown Savannah, at the Coastal Georgia Center, on October 3, 2014.

The one day conference features professionals from around the state of Georgia speaking on the many issues associated with elder abuse and the implications on those adults who are at risk of abuse. The goal of the conference is to educate professionals and individuals attending on the serious offense of elder abuse.

“Our inaugural conference last year was a great success.  We received excellent feedback and look forward to increasing knowledge on this important topic,” said Jenny House, Vice President, Senior Citizens, Inc.

According to the National Center of Elder Abuse, research suggests that only about 1 in 14 cases of Elder Abuse are reported to authorities. The study found that for every one case reported to authorities, there are 24 cases not being reported. With a growing elderly population, the risk factors for higher numbers of abuse cases increase every year.

“The Senior Citizens, Inc. mission revolves around protecting and enhancing the lives of seniors in our community, therefore we are proud to be partners with Georgia Southern University in bringing this issue into the foreground,” said House.       

The agenda for the conference will focus on detecting and preventing elder abuse through these topics: Overview of Elder Abuse, The Guiding Principles of Adult Protective Services, Court Case – from Report to Prosecution, Elder Abuse in Long Term Care Settings, Financial Exploitation, and Elder Abuse and Your Employees – Help for HR.   

Participants may be eligible to receive continuing education units for attendance of the conference. CEU’s applied for include Licensed Professional Counselors Association (LPCA), Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB), Georgia State Bar Association, Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST), Marriage and Family Therapists (MAFT), Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Conference participants will be awarded .700 CEU’s, equivalent to 7.00 credit hours through the Division of Continuing Education, Georgia Southern University. Participation is highly encouraged to all those looking for CEU credits or interested in learning more about elder abuse.

Fees are $80 or $90 after September 27, 2014. Conference fees include one day of sessions, conference materials, refreshment breaks, lunch and continuing education credits. For more information, visit http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/ce/conferences/elderabuse/ or call 912-478-2584 or 1-855-478-5551 toll-free.