UC Davis Human Services Partners with CDSS to Run Adult Protective Services Northern Regional Training Academy

Davis, California - UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s (CPE) Human Services program has been awarded a $5.2 million, three-year renewable grant from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to manage the Adult Protective Services (APS) Northern Regional Training Academy. UC Davis will provide training, collaborative learning opportunities, coaching and other workforce development services to support APS professionals in their critical work protecting elder and dependent adults. The program implementation date is July 1, 2025 and will support 28 counties, from the Oregon border to Inyo County.

"Adult Protective Services plays a vital role in safeguarding our state’s most vulnerable adults," said Alison Book, LCSW, executive director of Human Services at UC Davis CPE. "Strengthening the human services workforce will have a meaningful impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Californians."

"This is critical work," said Juliet Greenwood, dean of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education. "We are incredibly proud of the passion, expertise and ongoing success of our Human Services team, and grateful for the opportunity to partner with CDSS to advance its mission."

The APS Northern Regional Training Academy is part of California’s Regional Training Academy system for Adult Protective Services, which includes:

• Central California and Bay Area Adult Services Training Academy at Fresno State University’s Central California Social Welfare Evaluation, Research and Training Center
• Adult Protective Services Workforce Innovations at San Diego State University’s Academy for Professional Excellence

APS agencies in each California county investigate reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation, provide referrals and educate the public on reporting responsibilities under the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting laws.

 “UC Davis Human Services currently offers training on service delivery for elder and dependent adults through direct county contracts,” said Book. “The APS Northern Academy will enable us to expand this curriculum and provide additional resources and services to APS staff throughout Northern California.” The contract includes a ramp-up period starting April 1, 2025, and UC Davis is currently hiring a program director to build a team and ensure a successful launch.

For 45 years, UC Davis CPE’s Human Services division has advanced the university’s outreach mission by equipping human services professionals and organizations with training, consultation and research. Through workforce development, it strengthens agencies’ ability to support vulnerable communities, improving outcomes for children, adults and families in California and beyond.

For more than 65 years, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education has blended the distinctive academic expertise of UC Davis with practical training designed to improve capability and job performance. With nearly 60,000 annual enrollments, UC Davis CPE serves lifelong learners in the growing Sacramento region, all 50 states, and more than 100 countries. 

This press release was kickstarted by AI and handcrafted to completion by the marketing staff at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, who are responsible for the final product. By combining technology and human expertise, this release is accurate, written efficiently and hopefully piques your interest.