The National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA)
The National Institute on the Prosecution of Elder Abuse (NIPEA) is a three-and-a-half-day course designed by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) to challenge prosecutors to reevaluate their approach to prosecuting elder abuse cases. Participants receive training on the dynamics of elder abuse as well as practical skills to successfully prosecute these cases, balancing offender accountability with the impact of criminal prosecution on victims. Using a problem-based, interactive format, NIPEA explores the complex issues faced by prosecutors. Topics covered include:
Attendees may qualify for approximately eighteen (18) continuing legal education credit hours including at least one (1) hour of ethics credit.
Contact NCALL Justice System Coordinator, Ann Laatsch, at alaatsch@ncall.us with any questions.
Prosecutors handling elder abuse cases face unique challenges, from building relationships with older victims and navigating cognitive capacity questions to prosecuting complex financial exploitation and coordinating with law enforcement. Despite their critical role in holding offenders accountable and enhancing older adult safety, prosecutors too often lack the experience and support to approach these cases with confidence. NCALL has created two webinar series that provide the tools and strategies to change that.
Each webinar features subject matter experts from the field — including experienced prosecutors, investigators, clinicians, and financial crime specialists — offering practical guidance you can apply immediately to strengthen your cases and better support older victims.
Effective Communication with Older Victims
Presenters: Peter Tempelis, J.D., Waukesha County (WI) District Attorney’s Office and Ann Laatsch J.D., National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
Effective prosecution starts with effective communication. Learn why working with older victims requires intentional, specialized approaches — and what that looks like in practice. This session is also open to prosecuting agency victim/witness staff.
Working with Law Enforcement
Presenters: Christopher Merkle, Asst. Chief Investigator, Office of the District Attorney, Boulder, CO and Tara Patet J.D., Senior Prosecutor, St. Paul City Attorney’s Office (ret.)
Elder abuse cases are stronger when prosecutors and detectives collaborate early and often. Hear from both sides of the partnership as to what works.
Working With Financial Institutions on Financial Exploitation Cases
Presented with the National District Attorneys Association
Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse — and the hardest to unravel. Learn how to work with banks, tell the financial story, and use free investigation tools.
Capacity and Your Case
Presenters: Candace Heisler J.D., Heisler and Associates and David Franklin, Psy.D., MHA, UC Riverside School of Medicine
Cognitive impairment doesn’t necessarily make a case more difficult. Learn how to distinguish competency from capacity, build evidence-based cases, and counter defense strategies.
Expert Witness Strategies for Prosecutors
Presented with the National District Attorneys Association
Geriatricians, neuropsychologists, and forensic accountants can transform your case — if you know how to find, prepare, and utilize them.
Legal and Legislative Tools to Combat Elder Abuse & Neglect
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Presented with the National District Attorneys Association
New statutes are giving prosecutors stronger tools to address elder abuse. Learn what’s changed and how to put these tools to work in your jurisdiction.
Dementia and Capacity
Presenters: Dr. Harry Morgan and Candace Heisler, J.D.
Prosecuting Intimate Partner Violence in Later Life 101
Presenters: Tara Patet, J.D. and Jonathan Kurland, J.D.
Confidentiality
Presenters: Alicia Aiken, J.D. and Lisamarie Bristol, J.D.
Medical Evidence in Abuse in Later Life Cases (DV, SA, and neglect)
Presenters: Veronica LoFaso, M.D. and Page Ulrey, J.D.
Financial Exploitation I: Foundational presentation on financial exploitation
Presenters: Candace Heisler, J.D. and Jane Walsh, J.D.
Financial Exploitation II: Theories of theft/fraud/exploitation in elder abuse cases
Presenters: Candace Heisler, J.D. and Kathy Van Olst, J.D.
Financial Exploitation III: Consent, Undue Influence, and the Decision Tree
Presenters: Candace Heisler, J.D. and Lisamarie Bristol, J.D.
Financial Exploitation IV: Case study — Leonard
Presenters: Page Ulrey, J.D. and Kathy Van Olst, J.D.
Foundational presentation on neglect
Presenter: Page Ulrey, J.D.
Neglect case study
Presenters: Page Ulrey, J.D. and Chris Merkle, Asst. Chief Investigator
For further information, please contact NCALL Justice System Coordinator Ann Laatsch at alaatsch@ncall.us.
This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-24-GK-03047-ALLX and Grant No. 2015-TA-AX-K036 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
The goal of the self-assessment/CCR assessment tool is to encourage intervening agencies and CCRs to candidly and thoughtfully assess their work and the processes they use. This tool is intended to examine and expand collective thinking and response to elder abuse. It helps identify existing practices and introduce new approaches in order to strengthen the overall response. It is meant to facilitate and encourage discussion and raise questions about roles, response, coordination, and common purpose. Questions? Please contact NCALL at ncall@ncall.us.
Response to Elder Abuse: A Self-Assessment Workbook for Prosecution (PDF)