NYS Justice Center honors Jewish Board care worker with Code of Conduct Award

NYS Justice Center honors Jewish Board care worker with Code of Conduct Award

State agency charged with protecting 1 million vulnerable New Yorkers spotlights local care staff  

The New York State Justice Center is pleased to announce that Regina Lashley, Residence Manager at the Jewish Board in New York City, has been selected as a recipient of the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct Award for the 2024 program. 

Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. As stated in the code, signed by all staff under Justice Center jurisdiction, award recipients have upheld their commitment to helping help people “live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.” 

Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates. 

“Our Code of Conduct Award is our way of paying tribute to those who go above and beyond in their daily work lives, and lead others by example,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “Ms. Lashley was chosen for her unmatched compassion for those in her care.”  

Ms. Lashley has worked for the Jewish Board for over a decade, most recently serving as a Residence Manager. Described by her colleagues as a “community activist,” Lashley advocates for the individuals she serves to ensure their lives are both comfortable and fulfilling. She understands the importance of creating a supportive environment for both staff and individuals receiving services from Jewish Board programs.  

The Justice Center received more than 100 nominations for this year’s program. Five winners were selected from more than two dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce.  

For more information on this year’s awards, please click here. 

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About the Justice Center

The Justice Center operates a toll-free hotline for people to report allegations of abuse, neglect, and significant incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone who witnesses or suspects an act of abuse or neglect has been committed can make a report. Because the Justice Center is not a first responder, callers are directed to call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency that requires an immediate medical or police response. 

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 works with local District Attorneys to prosecute criminal offenses involving allegations of abuse or neglect. The Justice Center notifies local district attorneys of all cases of abuse and neglect that occur in their jurisdiction. 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.