The New York State Justice Center is an agency that aims to protect people with special needs from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment while also advocating for them. The Justice Center was founded in 2013 as a result of the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The primary purpose of the Justice Center is to ensure that New York state maintains the nation’s highest standards of health, safety, and dignity for people with special needs by supporting the dedicated men and women who provide services. In this regard, The Justice Center is committed to supporting and protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs and disabilities through advocacy of their civil rights, prevention of mistreatment, and investigation of all allegations of abuse and neglect so that appropriate actions are taken.
While Justice Center Investigations pose a viable threat to Health Division members, and often times can be used as a scare tactic, it is important to know that the Justice Center does not aim to hurt careers but to protect the same individuals that our Healthcare Division members care about. The Justice Center investigates, reviews, and makes findings in allegations of abuse and/or neglect by staff — including employees, volunteers, interns, consultants, or contractors — against individuals who receive services. The Justice Center does not interrogate, arrest, or prosecute individuals who
receive services.
Who can report an allegation of abuse and/or neglect?
Anyone – including a parent, advocate, or guardian – can make a report to the Vulnerable Persons’ Central Register (VPCR) Hotline when they have knowledge or have reason to believe that a person with special needs has been abused, neglected, or mistreated. Some people are required to report to the VPCR. These “mandated reporters” include provider agency staff and human service professionals, who by nature of their job must report allegations of abuse and/or neglect.
Can I find out who called in a report to the VPCR Hotline?
The Justice Center cannot release the name(s) of the person(s) who made the report to the VPCR Hotline or the name(s) of any person(s) who cooperated in the investigation.
What happens after a report is made?
A call center representative will first determine if an emergency responder is necessary and/or if the person receiving services is in danger or needs immediate assistance. If it is an emergency
situation, the call center representative will instruct the caller to hang up and dial 9-1-1. The reporter should then call back to complete the report once the emergency situation has been addressed. Upon completion of the report, the agent will provide a confirmation number, also known as an incident number.
Justice Center Investigation Process
Aside from investigations, in collaboration with state oversight agencies and its Advisory Council, the Justice Center also identifies and develops strategic prevention initiatives for distribution statewide. These efforts have included guidance documents, tools, and training for staff and other stakeholders to enable them to take a proactive approach to creating safe, supportive, abuse-free environments.