Justice Center Executive Director Testifies at Budget Hearing
NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Executive Director Denise M. Miranda testified in February in front of the State Legislature about the agency and the 2021 proposed budget.  Ms. Miranda discussed the Justice Center's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on agency operations during the past year including the integration of video hearings and modifications made to investigatory processes.  In addition, Ms. Miranda highlighted the Justice Center's continued commitment to producing prevention materials, including the addition of several new toolkits.

"The COVID-19 health crisis has challenged the work of government at all levels and the Justice Center is no exception.  But I can attest that the agency has risen to meet this challenge. The Justice Center’s ability to adapt quickly and adjust business practices has allowed us to carry on our critical mission. We will take the lessons we have learned and continue to improve our work so we can serve New Yorkers with special needs to the very best of our ability," said Ms. Miranda.

Following her testimony, Ms. Miranda answered questions from members of the Legislature on a variety of topics.
Looking to learn more about the Justice Center and support services? Registration for a series of webinars being hosted by the agency in April is now open.  The event is for individuals receiving services, family members, peer advocates, personal representatives, and provider agency staff. Participants will learn about the Justice Center, its jurisdiction and reporting processes, support services, and available resources. Dates and times can be found by clicking on the registration button.
Register Now
Nominate a colleague for a Code of Conduct Award
Nominations are now open for the Justice Center's Code of Conduct Awards.  The honor is given to four individuals who embody the ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs.  The Code provides a framework intended to assist staff to help people with special needs "live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm."  Anyone who signs the Code is eligible to be nominated. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 3.  Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony in September.
Submit a Nomination
Registration Open for Justice Center Training Opportunities
Registration is open for Justice Center trainings taking place in 2021.  The agency is offering an entry-level, online training for new investigators covering procedures, standards, and best practices for investigating incidents.  Each course takes place over two consecutive days with one, two-hour session per day.  Registration is limited.  The next session is in April with a total of eight sessions being offered throughout the year.  Future dates will be listed in the training area of the Justice Center website.

In addition, the Justice Center's Code of Conduct Train the Trainer program is returning!  Together with the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals, the Justice Center is offering this live online training six times this year.  The Code of Conduct Train the Trainer program is designed for provider agency staff who train staff members on the Justice Center Code of Conduct.  Participants will learn how to provide resources and strategies for creating an interactive training on the Code of Conduct provisions.  Spots remain open for the June session with additional opportunities coming in the fall. Information on registration can be found in the training section of the Justice Center's website.

The Justice Center continues to receive reports of incidents of harm involving caregiver fatigue.  Because of this, the agency recently updated its Spotlight on Prevention: Protecting People with Special Needs from the Dangers of Caregiver Fatigue. The toolkit includes case studies, tips on how to recognize and prevent caregiver fatigue, as well as resources for providers and staff members.
Spotlight on Prevention
Take the Citizen Public
Health Training Program
New York State, in partnership with Cornell University, has developed an innovative, free online course called the NYS Citizen Public Health Training Program.  The four-part online training program will help build community-led initiatives and support surrounding prevention, detection, and response in the event of public health emergencies. With two hours of content per week, each module will build up your core knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with specific “calls to action” to help you translate learning into action within your community and network. Each module will also have one or more live (and recorded) conversations with experts to share up-to-date information and to answer key questions.
The goal of this program is to have at least one citizen public health leader in every neighborhood and community. Leaders will understand the state of health in NY and the factors that influence health. They will have foundational knowledge related to key public health issues and skills to connect and communicate with peers, allies, and key social resources. As a citizen public health leader, you will be able to take an active role in helping your community prevent and rebuild from the effects of COVID-19. Over the longer term, you’ll be a part of an informed network that can be mobilized to share information and plan for prevention, detection, and response in the event of public health emergencies.

Registration is free and available to any New York State resident.
Register Now
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