Webinars

Communicating Through Change: Building Safe Connections

Presenter: Brenda Roberts, National Council of Dementia Minds

Communicating Through Change: Building Safe Connections is an interactive webinar that explores how dementia can impact communication and provides practical strategies to connect more effectively. Participants will gain insight into how changes in the brain influence language, sensory processing, and social understanding. Through real-life examples and perspectives from individuals living with dementia, this session highlights approaches for creating calm, supportive environments and using communication techniques that foster trust and understanding. Attendees will leave with practical tools to build safe, meaningful connections that promote dignity and well-being for all involved.

Join us November 19th, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Registration Fee: No cost for members

Who should attend: Activity Professionals, Direct Care Team Members, Wellness Team Members, Supervisors

MALA’s 3-Part Webinar Series: Understanding the New Adult Foster Care (AFC) Consolidated Licensing Rule Set – Effective November 3, 2025

Presenters: Kathleen Murphy, General Counsel, Jamie Bragg-Lovejoy, Chief Executive Officer, and Erin Wallace, Director of Quality Assurance and Education

The long-awaited, major changes are here—the most comprehensive administrative rule update since 1994. The new rule set replaces the previous AFC licensing rules with one, consolidated rule set.

In addition to changes to the administrative rules, MALA anticipates changes to LARA forms and the development of a consolidated Technical Assistance Manual. MALA will keep you apprised of these developments.

In the meantime, MALA encourages you join us for this 3-part training series. It will save your organization valuable time and help you learn about the new rules and considerations of efficient implementation of the new standards. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance on how to come into full compliance and how to avoid costly and stressful rule violations.

MALA’s expert-led sessions and workbook resource make this a must-attend event for all AFC licensees, home administrators and first line supervisors. Given the expansive scope of this consolidated rule set, MALA suggests that organizations assemble a compliance team to attend this supportive webinar series. Join us on: Webinar Series Schedule:

Session 1: Understand the New AFC Licensing Consolidated Rule Set

November 20, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Topic: Crosswalk of New Rules to Previous Rules and Overview of the Workbook

Learn how the new consolidated rule set crosswalks with previous licensing rules

Review key changes, new provisions, and new rules.

Gain access to MALA’s Workbook, designed to help you crosswalk the new, consolidated rule set to your operational practice

Session 2: Strengthen Operational Readiness

December 11, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Topic: Expert Guidance from Bator Lobb, P.C.

Receive insight on managing license renewals, investigations, and responses to notices of findings or corrective actions.

Understand procedural expectations and best practices for communicating with the Department during the transition period.

Session 3: Clarify Outstanding Questions

January 15, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Topic: Review and Response Session

Review responses to previously submitted questions.

Clarify interpretations of complex or newly introduced rules.

Ensure your compliance plan is comprehensive and up to date.

Registration Fee: $75.00

Workbook and recording will be provided at no cost to registered MALA Members.

Workbook and recording is available to registered non-members for an additional $40.00.

All webinars will be recorded and available on demand for those that have registered.

Who should attend: Executive Directors, Compliance Team Members, Human Resources, Clinical Team Members, Group Home Managers, First-Line Supervisors