Northwest TN Elder Justice Conference 2026- Justice Across Generations

Learn how to protect Tennessee's most vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation at the Elder Justice Conference 2026 -FREE registration!
About this Event

Join Us at the 2026 Northwest TN Elder Justice Conference
Theme: Justice Across Generations
📍 Discovery Park of America, Union City, TN
🗓 September 30, 2026 | 🕖 Registration Opens at 7:30 AM

Be a part of a transformative event dedicated to protecting our elders and vulnerable adults. This one-day in-person conference brings together professionals, advocates, and community members to raise awareness, share resources, and deliver impactful training to help end the cycle of abuse.🎉

💥 Why Attend?

• Gain practical tools and strategies to identify and prevent elder abuse
• Network with experts, professionals, and fellow advocates across Tennessee
• Earn continuing education credits— NASW CEU's requested (additional fee), CLE's requested(including 1 hour of Ethics) (additional fee), POST approved, EMS credits requested from Tennessee Emergency Department Office of Emergency Services
• CLE and CEU fees ($30) can be paid in advance by sending a check made out to NWTN Elder Justice to Mark Plfueger at 124 Weldon Dr., Martin, TN 38237. Alternatively, you may pay at the event by check, Venmo, or Credit card.

📍 Location
Hosted at the stunning Discovery Park of America—offering an inspiring and interactive experience.
🔗 Learn more about Discovery Park : https://discoveryparkofamerica.com

📢 Space is limited—Registration is required!
Secure your spot early and be part of the movement to bring justice, dignity, and safety to all generations.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1366266051539?aff=oddtdtcreator

📞 For more info, contact:

• Debra Edwards: [email protected] 731-514-8246
• James R. Hatler: [email protected]
• Laura Toney: [email protected]

Agenda

🕑: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Northwest TN Elder Justice Conference Agenda 2026

Info: All breaks will be determined by speakers and allow time for questions if necessary.

🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration- Top of escalators

Info: Please sign in at the registration table upon arrival and enjoy fresh coffee and pastries located in the Tennessee Room downstairs. Our vendor booths will also be open at this time at the bottom of the escalators.

🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:40 AM
Welcome/Housekeeping/Introductions-ATA Room
Host: Karl Jackson, Obion County Sherriff
🕑: 08:40 AM - 09:15 AM
Keynote Speaker-ATA Room
Host: D. Michael Dunavant, US Atty. Western Dist. of TN

Info: Items needed for prosecution.

🕑: 09:15 AM - 09:50 AM
ATA Room Elder Scam Investigations: A bank Fraud Department
Host: Steve Vogt, Fraud Prevention Simmons Bank
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ATA Room - Investigations of Abusive Head Trauma Cases, a Prosecutor's View
Host: Jeffrey George, DA Team Lead Crimes Against Children

Info: This session will discuss ways in which investigators can help the prosecution get justice for vulnerable victims (infant to aged). This session will discuss best practices and common pitfalls in these cases by looking at examples from real cases.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Reelfoot Room - Stress Management
Host: Yvette Blue,
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
LEC Room - Courtroom testimony
Host: Jerald Campbell, Attorney
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
ATA Room - Evidentiary Concerns in Financial Exploitation
Host: Dan Buchanan. DAG ADA 30th Judicial District, Shelby Co.

Info: We will walk through a criminal case file and process of prepping for trial by understanding criminal burden of proof, understanding what is required to admit evidence, and understand common mistakes.

🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LEC Room - Fentanyl Fatalities, Death Investigation
Host: Stephen Sutton, Public Information Officer Crockett/Dyer
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Reelfoot Room - Online Scams and Fraud
Host: Derek Miller, Special Agent, TBI

Info: This presentation covers the most prolific scams currently seen by the TBI, Cyber unit, and digital evidence unit. Attendees will learn simple steps they can take to protect themselves from scammers and online cyber criminals.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
ATA Room - Lunch - Aaron Bradley, ATM Scams, Legislative
Host: Aaron Bradley, Dir. East TN AAAD. Div. of ETHRA
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
ATA Room - General Session - Case Study
Host: Patricia Speck, Retired Prof. Emeritus UAB at Birmingham

Info:

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
ATA Room - Patti Tosti - APS
Host: Patti Tosti, Dir. Interagency Col. and Research DHS/APS

Info: TBA

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Reelfoot Room - Competence vs Capacity Determining
Host: Dan Buchanan, DAG ADA 30th Judicial District, Shelby, Co

Info: We will discuss the difference between competency (legal standard) versus capacity (medical standard) and when each apply. We will do this by learning the medical and legal standard and when to apply which standard.

🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
LEC - Search Warrants
Host: Drew Vernon, ADA 27th District

Info: This is designed and tailored towards law enforcement and will expose participants to the fundamentals of search warrants and how they can be successfully written.

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
ATA Room - Adam Mathis, TBI, Polygraph and Interview Best Practices
Host: Adam Mathis, Special Agent TBI
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Reelfoot Room - Dr. Cindy Swaim
Host: Dr. Cindy Swaim
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
LEC - Increasing Vulnerability of the Elderly
Host: Carolyn Freeman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:50 PM
ATA Room - General Session - Mike Parsons
Host: Mike Parsons, Special Agent in Charge, TBI

Info: Bufford Pusser Homicide Case Study

🕑: 04:50 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks, Door Prizes