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. 

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