Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

Agency Web Site: http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/

Mission

The core mission of the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is to protect the health and safety of vulnerable individuals in the State's care. The Justice Center has primary responsibility for receiving, investigating, and/or reviewing abuse and neglect allegations at certain facilities and programs that are certified or licensed by the following six agencies: Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office for Persons With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the Department of Health (DOH), the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and the State Education Department (SED). The Justice Center is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the approximately one million adults and children with physical or intellectual disabilities, or who have the need for services or placement from one of the over 3000 facilities or service providers overseen by the six State agencies.

Budget Highlights

The FY 2017 Executive Budget recommends $54.5 million in new appropriations, the same as the FY 2016 Enacted Budget, and a workforce of 450 FTEs, an increase of 22 FTEs primarily in investigative functions.

To fulfill its mission, the agency operates 13 locations across the State, and employs investigators, prosecutors, advocates, and others. The Justice Center investigates nearly 10,000 reported allegations of abuse and neglect annually, and in 2015 assumed more investigative responsibilities in State-operated facilities. Operational efficiencies have resulted in an accelerated case closure process, allowing the agency to close 4,000 more cases than were opened during the year and permanently accelerate the average case-closure timeframe.

Other components and responsibilities of the Justice Center include the following:

• The Justice Center's law enforcement branch has concurrent authority with district attorneys to prosecute abuse and neglect crimes committed against such persons.
• A statewide, 24/7 hotline staffed by trained professionals to ensure that allegations of abuse are reported promptly to law enforcement and are investigated fully and effectively.
• Developing and maintaining a register of workers who have committed serious or repeated acts of abuse who will be prohibited from ever being hired again in any position where they would work with people with disabilities or special needs.
• The responsibility to represent the State at all public employee disciplinary cases or those where the State is seeking termination of employment as the penalty.
• Consolidation of background check procedures, including reviewing and evaluating the criminal history for any person applying to be an employee, volunteer, or consultant at any facility or provider agency operated, licensed or certified by OMH, OPWDD, and OCFS in a position where a background check is required.

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/13/2016

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