Partnering to Protect

Open Navigation
Previous Conference photo of event.

The 41st Annual APS Conference

Partnering to Protect

October 8-11, 2024 • Galveston, Texas

Learn More

The Longest-Running APS Conference in the Country

The 41st Annual Adult Protective Services (APS) Conference is coming soon. This conference is a highly anticipated time for networking, experiencing hands-on learning, and building relationships with people from across Texas and other parts of the world. We will offer training, resources, and continuing education from top experts in the field. Event attendees include caseworkers, supervisors, and professionals in similar fields, including guardianship, ombudsman, law enforcement, the judiciary, social services, healthcare, and academia.

By Partnering to Protect, we establish strong partnerships between APS and organizations who are committed to protecting vulnerable adults. Our goal is to provide innovative tools that will allow participants to better serve a wide array of clients. In addition to discussing how to care and provide for vulnerable adults, conference participants will learn the importance of self-care and how to instill its practices into their everyday life.

Cecilia Longoria, Harris County Attorney’s Office (left) and Ashley Romo, Senior Justice Assessment Center, Houston (right)
Cecilia Longoria, Harris County Attorney's Office (left) and Ashley Romo, Senior Justice Assessment Center, Houston (right)

Partnership Awards

At APS, we value the importance of strong partnerships and know that fostering effective collaborations throughout the state is critical to meeting the needs of our mutual clients. The conference is a time when we highlight key partners who are known for their servant hearts and for going above and beyond to serve vulnerable adults in our communities.

2023 Unsung Hero Award Winners

Austin-El Paso District Winner

Irene Marapao

Elgin Open Door Missions, Elgin

Dallas/Fort Worth District Winners

Craig Colbert

APS Volunteer, Fort Worth

Lori Varnell

Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office, Fort Worth

East District Winners

Carrie Blackwell

Heart to Heart Hospice, Smith County

Becky Edwards

The Heights of Tyler, Tyler

Jeri Sulewski

Heart to Heart Hospice, Smith County

Houston District Winners

Jason Burnett

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston

Barbara Lopez

Senior Justice Assessment Center, Houston

Greg Lowry

Harris County Sheriff's Office, Houston

Northwest District Winners

Tony Ramirez

Wichita Falls Police Department, Wichita Falls

Robert Ruff

Wichita Falls Police Department, Wichita Falls

Sally Coates

Senior House Calls, Lubbock

South District Winners

B J Davies

Hope Hospice, Bulverde

Fernanda Cardenas

Gonzaba Foundation for Healthier Communities, San Antonio

State Office Winner

Leslie Clark

Forensic Assessment Center Network

Christina Rector, Texas APS Houston District Director (left) and 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee Barbara Lopez, Senior Justice Assessment Center, Houston (right).
Christina Rector, Texas APS Houston District Director (left) and 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee Barbara Lopez, Senior Justice Assessment Center, Houston (right).
Decorative star icon
Conference visual.

Stay Up to Date

If you're interested in receiving news and updates about the conference, please email APScon@austin.utexas.edu from your preferred email address. Please include your first and last name and the name of your organization.