Making a Difference for Vulnerable Populations
Overview
Who We Are
The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals responsible for caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
The Justice Center sets a national standard for safeguarding vulnerable populations from abuse and neglect, with jurisdiction over more than one million individuals receiving services across six state agencies. The agency operates the Vulnerable Persons Central Register (VPCR), a confidential, toll-free hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for receiving reports of alleged abuse and neglect.
The Justice Center also develops resources, toolkits, reports, and specialized trainings to prevent abuse before it occurs.
When abuse or neglect is suspected, the Justice Center conducts independent investigations to uncover the facts. Investigations are led by a highly specialized team, which includes former law enforcement, registered nurses, and individuals with firsthand experience working in agencies under the agency’s jurisdiction. The agency is authorized to pursue administrative sanctions against staff found responsible for misconduct. These sanctions can lead to individuals being permanently barred from working with vulnerable New Yorkers through the Staff Exclusion List (SEL).
Since 2013, more than 1,000 individuals have been permanently barred from working with vulnerable populations through the SEL.
The Justice Center provides multi-layered support to empower individuals receiving services, families, and personal representatives with the knowledge and tools to advocate for safe and proper care.
With a commitment to prevention, protection, and accountability, the NYS Justice Center is creating a safer, more inclusive New York for vulnerable populations.
The Justice Center
What We Do
Investigations
The Justice Center has authority to investigate all reports of abuse and neglect in covered facilities and programs, pursue administrative sanctions against staff found responsible for misconduct, and its Special Prosecutor/Inspector General collaborates with local District Attorneys to prosecute criminal offenses involving allegations of abuse or neglect.
Support
Justice Center advocates provide guidance and information to victims, their families, personal representatives, and guardians about the reporting and investigation process, offer support during criminal court proceedings, and are available to accompany victims during interviews and court appearances.
Prevention
In collaboration with state oversight agencies and its Advisory Council, the Justice Center 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.
Creating a Safety Net for Vulnerable New Yorkers
Learn More
Information on the settings over which the Justice Center has jurisdiction, the types of incidents the agency investigates, and the role of the Justice Center's Advisory Council.
Learn More
Justice Center In-Depth
2025 Justice Center Summit
JC Summit 2025 - Lifecycle
JC Summit 2025 - JC Updates
JC Summit 2025 - PQI and CAP Overview
JC Summit 2025 - Investigative Strategies
JC Summit 2025 - IFSU
JC Summit 2025 - SDMC
JC Summit 2025 - Pre-Employment Checks
Justice Center Video Series
Video Series
An overview of the Justice Center's mission and vision
Information on resources available to help prevent abuse and neglect
What to expect throughout the reporting and investigation process
An overview of the Justice Center's mission and vision translated in Spanish
Information on resources available to help prevent abuse and neglect translated...
What to expect throughout the reporting and investigation process translated in...