Advisory Council

Overview

The Advisory Council provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs and regulations. The Council is comprised of a minimum of 15 members who are appointed for 3-year terms by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Members include service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members and advocates.  

At least one-half of the members must be individuals or parents or relatives of individuals who are or have received services from programs within the Justice Center’s jurisdiction.

 

Council Members

William T. Gettman — Northern Rivers Family of Services (Chair)

Veronica Crawford — Self-Advocate, Care Design NY

Norwig Debye-Saxinger — Therapeutic Communities Association

Jason Hershberger, M.D. — Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center

Walter J. Joseph, Jr. — Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

Ronald S. Lehrer — NYS Association of Boards of Visitors

Glenn Liebman — Mental Health Association in New York State

Joseph Macbeth — National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals

Thomas McAlvanah — Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies of NY

Delores Fraser McFadden — Behavioral Momentum Applied Behavior Analysis, PC

Kathy O'Keefe — Pilgrim Psychiatric Center

Judith A. O’Rourke — Parent

Harvey B. Rosenthal — NY Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS)

Mary K. St. Mark — Parent Advocate 

Jeffrey Savoy — Odyssey House

Euphemia Strauchn — Parent, Families on the Move

 

Meeting Dates

2023
  • June 22
  • September 21
2024
  • January 25
  • April 11
  • June 20
  • September 19

Meeting Summaries

Advisory Council Recommendations

The Advisory Council is authorized by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act to provide guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations to support the development and implementation of state policies which meet the needs of vulnerable persons and individuals with disabilities in a manner that is respectful of their rights and choices.  All recommendations have been approved unanimously by the Advisory Council.