New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

Each year in June, New York State joins the nation in observing #Pride. This year’s theme, “Reflect. Empower. Unite,” encourages us to consider the historic and ongoing challenges that the LGBTQ+ community has faced, and tasks us with channeling our collective efforts into uplifting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, the New York State Department of Civil Service hosted its 2024 Pride Month Celebration. As a proud co-sponsor of this year’s event, several of our agency team members attended to celebrate and learn.

NEW Resources for Individuals, Families & Providers 1️⃣ For Individuals & Families - A guide to effective advocacy - Learn how to advocate for you or a loved one: https://lnkd.in/gHU6CutF 2️⃣ For Providers - A guide to effective communication - Tips for communicating with personal representatives, family members, and people receiving services: https://lnkd.in/gjF-w2xz

A new U.S. Senate investigative report titled “Warehouses of Neglect” details disturbing conditions in youth residential treatment facilities across the United States and calls for sweeping changes. The report accuses some of the nation’s largest service providers of putting profits ahead of the welfare of children at the mercy of a system that is, according to investigators, perpetuating incidents of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The report highlights what New York painfully came to understand more than a decade ago: individuals with special needs are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. We applaud the United States Senate Committee on Finance for their important call to action for our nation -- the U.S. must do more to protect people with special needs. Read a summary of the report here: https://lnkd.in/ebBqVGwh

☀ Order Your Free Vehicle Safety Hangtags! https://lnkd.in/g3TNSd4u Record-setting heat waves call for increased safety precautions. Vulnerable populations, like those we’re here to protect, are particularly susceptible to higher temperatures, especially individuals who require vehicle transportation. Adding environmental controls like our "Look Before You Leave" hangtags provide a physical reminder for drivers to help prevent incidents before they happen. Click the link to request a hangtag for your facility.

This week, several members of our staff participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run - the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. This effort brings together thousands of law enforcement personnel across New York State who are dedicated to increasing public awareness for the program. Special thanks to our dedicated team for their involvement!

We're pleased to formally welcome the newly appointed members of the Justice Center's Advisory Council: Michael Agovino — Parent advocate (Bronx County), Ijaz Ahmad, M.D. — Cardiologist and parent (Nassau County), Geno DeCondo — Upstate Caring Partners (Oneida County), Kathleen Gaffney-Babb — Helio Health (Onondaga County), and Winifred Schiff — InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (Brooklyn County). The Advisory Council provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The Council is comprised of a minimum of 15 members who are appointed for three-year terms by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members include service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members and advocates.  Thank you all for your service and dedication to our mission. We look forward to working with you to create a safer NY! https://lnkd.in/gfiCgQmt _

🌲 On Saturday, our TRAID Director, Melinda Dolezal, hosted an information table at Get Outdoors and Get Together Day 2024. Hundreds of people came to 5 Rivers Environmental Education Center to participate in accessible outdoor activities and experience the beauty of the trails. 🌳 What's TRAID? Visit the link here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gzBx3KX8 _

Time is running out! The Justice Center is still accepting nominations for its 2024 Code of Conduct Awards through July 1! 🥇 👉 https://lnkd.in/eafJrWYy The Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs provides a framework for assisting people with special needs “live self-directed, meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.” The purpose of this award is to recognize those staff members who demonstrate a strong commitment to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Anyone who signs the Code of Conduct is eligible. Click below or above to learn more and submit! 2024 Code of Conduct Awards! 🥇 👉 https://lnkd.in/eafJrWYy

🏈 This year, the Justice Center had the unique opportunity to serve as title sponsor of Harrison’s Playmakers -- a day camp and nonprofit foundation committed to coaching and mentoring children facing social, physical, and economic challenges. Harrison Phillips is a current NFL player with the Minnesota Vikings. He was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills and spent four seasons with the team. During his time in Buffalo, he started the Playmakers camp. His connection to the people and community of Buffalo was so strong that even after leaving the team in free agency, he has returned every year to host various Playmakers events. A ray of light for camp participants, Phillips has a true passion for helping others and leading the “inclusion revolution,” as he puts it, to see those with disabilities live the fullest and best lives possible. Today, the foundation aims to create a world where every child, regardless of social, physical, or economic challenges, is empowered to overcome obstacles and thrive. Thank you to the team at Harrison’s Playmakers for making our first sponsorship year so fulfilling. And special thanks to our dedicated staff who made the trip out to Buffalo to volunteer at this year’s camp. Click here to learn more about Harrison's Playmakers: https://lnkd.in/ekN5K8RP Robert Miller Maria Lisi-Murray, Esq. Elizabeth Ensell, Esq. Charles Zlotkus Ashley Bianchi Eva Baez Yvonne Rychlik Jen Neth Callie Heftka Erin Hogan

Last week, our Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray, Esq. attended the ribbon-cutting of a new Mental Health Association in New York State training center in Albany. This latest location will provide community-based training to the public about mental health and mental wellness. Thank you for having us! Take a look at the MHANYS website for more information about its mission. https://mhanys.org/ _