Good morning. As we begin the second month of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to provide you with some updates on Justice Center operations which you will find below. Please encourage your networks to continue to check the Justice Center website during this time for any updates that may occur.
I also want to encourage people to take a little time to express appreciation to the thousands and thousands of hard working, dedicated, essential staff who are working round the clock to treat, help and support those in their care. You can do this by submitting a nomination for the Justice Center Code of Conduct Award. Each nominee will get official recognition of your nomination even if they are not selected as one of the four winners. Anyone who signs the Justice Center Code of Conduct is eligible to be nominated. Please share with this opportunity with your networks, and please take a moment to recognize a hero. The link to the nomination is on the Justice Center website and is included here.
Justice Center operational updates:
The Justice Center remains operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the agency is adjusting some work processes to be responsive to the people we serve and the dedicated people who provide services, whose health and safety remains the Justice Center’s top priority.
The Justice Center’s reporting hotline remains operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reports of allegations of abuse and neglect should continue to be made by calling 1-855-373-2122. A web form for reporting may also be used.
The Justice Center’s Information Line remains open 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. General questions can be answered by calling 1-800-624-4143.
The work at the core of the Justice Center’s mission- investigating allegations of abuse and neglect and supporting individuals receiving services, continues to the full extent possible with modifications made to address social distancing and any special individual circumstances. The agency is working hand-in-hand with various State Oversight Agencies to meet compliance with directives meant to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 as well as the ensure the health and safety of all individuals receiving services under Justice Center jurisdiction. This includes seeking opportunities to complete work via phone rather than in-person.
Requirements for providers to run a criminal background check on prospective employees remain in place and the process is still functioning at this time. More information on the process is available on the criminal background check page.
The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly developing situation and Justice Center operations are subject to further adjustment as situations warrant.
Individuals seeking opportunities to donate goods, services, or space to New York State for use during the COVID-19 pandemic can fill out a webform and will be contacted on an as-needed basis.
Davin Robinson
Deputy Director
Outreach, Prevention and Support
Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
161 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York 12054
518-549-0223 | davin.robinson@justicecenter.ny.gov
www.justicecenter.ny.gov
