News

In the News

Feb 2024 Lifespan Newsletter - Includes Be Scam Aware! article & workshop contact info.
Lifespan Scams Programs Flyer


NYPD New Older Adult Liaison Initiative - Placement of Older Adult Liaison in New York City Police Precincts
Read the press release explaining the new program.


Inside NYS Aging
Link to read the July 2022 issue, including a recognition of Jennifer Rosenbaum’s contributions to elder justice.


Justice in Aging Article
The Role of Elder Justice in Our National Racial Justice Reckoning
Read the article by Vivianne Mbaku


Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan - New Administrative Leadership Team
Please read the brief introductions
Kelly Zunner-Daniels, Director
Tracey Siebert-Konopko, Assistant Director for Education, Training & Research
Allison Granata, Assistant Director for E-MDT Initiatives
Daniel Lyon is also the new Manager for the Fraud, Scams, and ID Theft Program


Tribute to Art Mason
Art Mason, Director of Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan (formerly Lifespan’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program (EAPP) retired on August 28, 2020.
Please read a sample of Art’s 30+ year career contribution to elder abuse prevention and intervention.


American Society on Aging Generations Journal - Spring 2020
Taking Action Against Elder Mistreatment


Older Adults May Need Assistance, but They Don’t Need Fixing
“Rather, professional support and guidance to review options and walk with older survivors of abuse can help to break the silence and ensure that our older adults live with dignity and respect.”
WEAAD D & C guest columnist - Tracey Siebert-Konopko, Lifespan


November was National Family Caregivers Month
NYSCRC Nov 2019 Newsletter article #BeCareCurious
AARP - Family Caregiving


Recent Major FBI Arrests will Disrupt Criminal Fraud Networks
Investigation began in 2016 with a single bank account and one victim.
Read LA Times Aug 22 article


NYS OCFS Bureau of Adult Services
December 2018 Adult Services Newsletter includes:

  • Recap and photos from the 25th Anniversary NYS Adult Abuse Training Institute and Law Enforcement Pre-Intensive Training Day;

  • Information on extended hours for Adult Services Helpline and additional OCFS Stop Elder Abuse/Stop Adult Abuse posters now available;

  • Orleans County APS and OPWDD collaboration success story;

  • Elder Justice Advocate Program at the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan;

  • Gatekeeper Training Program in Albany County



Governor Cuomo Announces $8.4 million to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation statewide
Read July 31, 2018 press release



Albany Attorney Admits to Stealing from Elderly Clients in $11.8 Million Estate Fraud
"Any lawyer preying on elders should take notice that criminal conduct by attorneys will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
June 11 DOJ Press Release
June 11 NY AG Press Release
Copy of Felony Complaint


Elder Abuse Thrives in Silence - "How could this happen to me?"
2018 WEAAD article by Lifespan's Art Mason and Kelly Zunner-Daniels


NYS OCFS Adult Services Newsletters
New - March 2018
For updates on APS activities around the state, plus a special thank you to Debra Sacks read the Summer Newsletter. Articles on Remote Access to TOP and review of recent APS data are included in Oct 2017 newsletterFeb 2017 newsletter includes highlights of Nov 2016 NYS Adult Abuse Training Institute. Find all Adult Services Newsletters from 2009 - present.


Series of fraud and scam related public awareness news articles
Lifespan helping out scam victims - if you used Western Union, you may qualify


2017 Elder Abuse Awareness month in Chautauqua County
Developing new Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team to address complex cases of abuse & financial exploitation


Elder Abuse is Public Health Problem 
Art Mason, Democrat & Chronicle June 2017 guest essayist. E-MDTs getting results for victims of financial exploitation.    

Erie County Launches E-MDT - May 2017 DA's Office press release
New collaborative approach to stopping elder abuse & financial exploitation, and recovering stolen funds.

June 2017 Washington Post Perspective discussion - Who are the Victims of Elder Abuse?
New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study and related studies are referenced in this article.

Elder Abuse Victims Suffering in Silence
May 2017 Idaho TV news story.

New York Governor Cuomo Announces Plan to Protect Older Adults from Financial Exploitation & Foreclosure
Jan 2017 State of the State Proposal.