April 11, 2025
The Boost News
As many New York families with a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities know, when problems arise, it doesn’t always feel as if justice has been served. Now, you can address concerns, Justice Center-related challenges and more by filling out this survey from the Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS (CP State) on 2024 Justice Center activities.
The Family and Individual Survey focuses on individuals supported and/or their families and caregivers. The results of the survey — along with a survey for Executive Directors/Compliance leadership — will inform recommendations made to the Justice Center to improve its policies and practices.
CP State is hoping for a wide range of responses and hopes that families and providers can share the link with individuals/families/caregivers. Questions about the survey can be directed to Karly Smelson, executive vp, CP State, at ksmelson@cpstate.org.
Justice Center: How It Works
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center), established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act, aims to “restore public trust” in institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations. Below, some bullet points taken from the Justice Center website.
- The Justice Center has jurisdiction over more than 1,000,000 individuals receiving services across six State Agencies.
- It operates a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for receiving reports of allegations of abuse and neglect.
- It’s authorized to investigate these reports and pursue administrative sanctions against staff found responsible for misconduct.
- The agency’s Special Prosecutor/Inspector General works with local district attorneys who prosecute criminal offense allegations.
- The Justice Center also issues recommendations for corrective actions.
- In addition, the agency provides support services for individuals and guardians as well as issues abuse prevention materials statewide.