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Code of Conduct and Champion
Award Winners Announced
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The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs held its fifth annual Code of Conduct and Champion Award ceremony in September. The awards honor individuals and organizations that have tirelessly worked not only to improve the lives of individuals under the Justice Center’s jurisdiction, but who have also risen to the enormous challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency honored six essential, direct care workers for their exceptional work during this global health crisis with the Code of Conduct award. This award honors staff members who embody the ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. Employees who assist people with special needs are required to sign the Code, which ensures that people “live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.” Those honored this year include: Lyse Aybar, Mount Sinai Beth-Israel Hospital; Edwin Garcia, Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center; Nicole Pera, Transitional Services, Inc.; Bhabita Persaud, Capital District Psychiatric Center; Brenda Robinson, JM Murray; and Vanessa White, YAI.
Justice Center Executive Director Denise M. Miranda joined Advisory Council Chair Bill Gettman in congratulating this year’s award recipients. “The Justice Center has always recognized the essential role the direct care workforce plays in the lives of individuals with special needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted their tireless efforts. These award recipients put the lives of the individuals they serve above their own health and safety at a time of true crisis. We thank them and thousands of others in the direct care workforce for all they do each and every day,” said Miranda.
Executive Director Miranda also presented four individuals with the agency’s Champion Award. Nominees can be individual staff members, community members, people receiving services or organizations that support the mission of the Justice Center. This year’s winners include Advisory Council Member and Advocate Mary Bonsignore (posthumous), Helene Fallon of the Suffolk Independent Living Organization, Surrogate Decision-Making Committee Volunteer Mark Gustin, and Former OASAS General Counsel Robert Kent.
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As part of the Justice Center's Code of Conduct and Champion Award presentation, Executive Director Denise Miranda shared a proclamation signed by the Governor declaring September "Direct Care Worker Appreciation Month." It reads, in part, "Whereas, New Yorkers join to acknowledge the valuable work carried out daily by direct care workers and direct support professionals in enhancing the lives of a vast array of individuals with disabilities and special needs; we take this opportunity to extend appreciation for their contributions that help many overcome challenges and reach their full potential, recognizing that their compassion is the essence of human services..."
In addition, the Justice Center created a thank you video for all direct care workers featuring essential workers. The video also includes messages from the Commissioners of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Children and Family Services, and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to Direct Support Professionals throughout New York State. Many individuals may have questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently held a webinar with NADSP Medical Advisor, Rick Rader, MD and Biochemist, Mark Macbeth, PhD to share details about the newly released vaccines. The webinar which is geared toward direct support professionals and management personnel who support people with disabilities.
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The Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) is looking for volunteers to play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities. The Committee is an alternative to the court system for individuals who lack capacity to provide informed consent, do not have someone legally authorized to make medical decisions for them, and are in need of non-emergency major medical procedures of end of life decisions.
The following volunteers are needed:
- NYS Licensed Health Care Professional
- Attorney admitted to practice in NYS
- Family member of or person with mental disabilities or a former patient
- Advocate for persons with disabilities
The SDMC relies on panels of volunteers who have completed the Justice Center's online training program. They review requests for treatment and render a determination at an informal hearing. The volunteers are indemnified by New York State and reimbursed for travel expenses for hearing participation. To comply with COVID-19 precautions, SDMC hearings are currently being held virtually.
- The time commitment is entirely up to the volunteer.
- Hearings range in length from 20 minutes to an hour.
- Online training qualifies volunteers to serve on SDMC major medical decision panels. Additional trainings for service on end of life panels is offered throughout the year, with CLE credit available for attorneys.
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Safety Benefits of GPS Devices
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The Justice Center has published a new prevention tool regarding the safety benefits of global positioning devices (GPS) in vehicles used to transport individuals receiving services. GPS devices provide security and protection for provider agencies, direct care workers, and individuals receiving services.
GPS offers insight into driver behavior. They can send notifications about hard braking and speeding. This can help providers identify staff members who may benefit from driver retraining which results in a safer experience for all occupants of a vehicle. GPS devices also offer up-to-the minute information on road conditions and traffic which will allow for planning of the most efficient route between two locations.
Providers should be aware that the proven benefits in accident prevention have led many insurance plans cover the cost of GPS tracking services.
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Justice Center Offers Training for 2021
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The Justice Center is opening registration for 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 March 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. Three sessions have been scheduled for this spring with three more planned for the fall. Information on registration can be found in the training section of the Justice Center's website.
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