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

For those of you who are new to our LinkedIn page and the Justice Center, welcome! 👋 We’re happy you’re here! Need a quick primer on what we do? Check out the video below. In addition, here are a few facts that make us unique: 1️⃣ Nearly 50% of current staff say they have a family member with special needs. This creates a truly mission-oriented dynamic that’s bolstered by personal experience 2️⃣ We have a team of advocates at the ready to provide multiple levels of support through the life cycle of a case and beyond 3️⃣ Every abuse and neglect case reported to the Justice Center is investigated to conclusion 4️⃣ We employ a diverse team of specialists to keep our case management process seamless. These include: law enforcement, attorneys, social workers, healthcare professionals, call center staff, and quality control staff. We also have volunteers with in-depth knowledge on both our Advisory Council and Medical Review Board 5️⃣ We help train provider staff, produce guidance documents, audit corrective actions, and conduct criminal background checks to stop abuse before it starts. Most importantly, we hold those who are found responsible for heinous acts of abuse accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Since our founding, nearly 1,000 people have been barred from working with vulnerable populations thanks to our work. Numbers to Remember: Our Abuse & Neglect Hotline – Anyone can make a report: 1-855-373-2122 Information Line – Have a general question? Use this: 1-800-624-4143

Missed this year's Justice Center Summit? No problem. Each session recording is now available on our website: https://lnkd.in/gWHzJ7EM Check it out today!

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.

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