2026 YCEATF Annual Conference: Beacons of Elder Justice

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2026 YCEATF Annual Conference: Beacons of Elder Justice

Get ready to join us in person for the 2026 YCEATF Annual Conference! Join us for this year’s conference as we come together under the theme “Beacons in Elder Justice.” Across our communities, there are individuals who serve as beacons bringing awareness, compassion, knowledge and action to the fight against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This conference will bring together professionals and community partners to share experiences, learn from one another, explore emerging challenges and strengthen the tools and resources we use to protect older adults. Together, we can shine a brighter light on elder justice and continue building a community where every older adult is seen, heard, valued and protected.

Line up (will be updated as confirmed)

York County Elder Abuse Task Force Update-Various Members

Maines Elder Justice Investigator- Before the pilot → During the pilot → What Maine needs next…
Officer Candice Simeoni of the Kennebunk Police Department is Maine’s first Elder Justice Investigator and the Founder and President of the York County Elder Abuse Task Force (YCEATF). For more than two decades, she has dedicated her career to elder justice, advocating for stronger resources, specialized education and improved investigative practices for first responders who encounter elder abuse, exploitation and other elder justice situations. In her statewide role, she provides investigative assistance and mentorship to law enforcement agencies, develops and delivers specialized training and works to strengthen collaboration and build a more effective elder justice response across Maine.

Legal Planning for the Future with Attorney Diane Cipollone - Why you need a will, Power of Attorney and Healthcare Advance Directive & Free steps to take to protect your identity and property
Diane Cipollone is a consumer protection attorney who provides pro bono legal services through Pine Tree Legal Assistance and the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Program. She offers free presentations to Maine residents on a variety of topics, including housing related fraud prevention and identity protection topics, and the need for all Mainers to have a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Advanced Directive.

Thai Chi with Larry: the benefits, the reason and a chance to try!
Larry Landau has been the owner and director of Dragonfly Taijiquan LLC since 1978, providing instruction throughout the Kennebunk to Portland area. He leads both group and private instruction in Tai Chi and meditation and is accomplished in a variety of Qigong and meditative practices.

Highly recommended for his knowledge and approachable teaching style, Larry focuses on stress management, mindfulness, relaxation and overall well-being. His instruction offers participants an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with themselves and develop practical techniques for managing stress and cultivating greater mindfulness.

Discussion of conservatorship, guardianship and current cases and issues being seen by the Attorney General’s Office: CODY M.P. HOPKINS | ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION, Office of the Maine Attorney General
This session will provide an accessible, practical overview of Maine’s guardianship and conservatorship laws with a particular focus on how these legal processes intersect with the professionals who work with older adults and vulnerable individuals. Participants will explore the purpose and scope of guardianships and conservatorships, the roles and responsibilities of guardians and conservators, the court process and common issues that arise when questions of decision-making, capacity, finances, safety and protection become involved. The presentation will also address common misconceptions and areas of confusion, helping professionals better understand when these legal tools may be appropriate and how to navigate their roles when concerns arise. NOTE: The session is intended as an educational overview and will not provide legal advice or guidance regarding specific cases or individual circumstances. Instead, participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the legal framework, terminology and considerations that can inform their work and help them identify when consultation with appropriate legal professionals may be necessary.

Financial Crimes on the Front Lines: Traditional Schemes, Cryptocurrency & Emerging Trends- York Community Detective Mike Taddei and Maine Consumer Protections Bureau Ed Myslik will collaborate for this important session. Financial exploitation continues to evolve, creating new challenges for law enforcement and those who work with older adults. This session brings together a frontline detective and a cryptocurrency expert to provide a practical look at the financial crimes and scams investigators are seeing today. Participants will explore current financial exploitation trends, common investigative challenges, cryptocurrency-related scams and the increasingly sophisticated methods criminals use to target victims. The presenters will share real-world perspectives and practical information to help recognize red flags, understand emerging schemes and better respond to financial crimes affecting older adults. This session connects traditional law enforcement cases with the rapidly changing world of cryptocurrency and digital financial crime, giving attendees a timely and practical understanding of what they are seeing and what may be coming next.

And MORE

6 contact hours and participation certificate provided for attending this event!

A heartfelt thank you to Kennebunk Savings Bank for once again being an amazing sponsor of this year’s event! Your continued support provides us with the encouragement and motivation to keep doing what we do...protecting those who once took care of us.

We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our mission.