1. Justice Center Updates
COFCCA Hudson Valley Meeting
June 13, 2016

2. Topics Incident Report Data Case Closure Timeliness Right to Counsel
Proposed 72 Hour Review of Allegations
Prevention of Abuse and Neglect

3. Incident Report Data

4. Incidents Reported to the Justice Center by Type

5. Substantiated Abuse and Neglect Cases by Category 2015
Approximately 30% of abuse and neglect allegations are substantiated

6. Case Closure Timeliness

7. Investigative Case Closure Initiative
Purpose: reduce cycle time of investigations
Establishment of Clear Performance Expectations and Assessments
Improved Initial Classification of Allegations
Prompt Initiation of Investigation
Targeted Resource Allocation
Enhancements to VPCR, Business Intelligence Reporting and WSIR
As a result, we have brought down the case cycle time from 119 days (statewide average) to 85 days. Some regions of the state are less than that.

8. Questions about ongoing Justice Center Investigations: Contact Region Assistant Chief
Contacts:
Region 1 -- Acting Assistant Chief Michaeleen Donahue
Region 2 -- Assistant Chief Mike Daly
Region 3 -- Assistant Chief Mark Case
Region 4 -- Assistant Chief Sal Salerno

9. Right to Counsel

10. New Right to Counsel Protocols
Final Protocol not yet fully implemented
General Rule: Justice Center will allow any suspect or witness to have counsel present, if they request it.
Caveat: Except, in non-criminal case, if a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provides for either counsel or a union representative, Justice Center will follow the rights set forth in the CBA.
The Justice Center will take steps to ensure that suspects or witnesses are aware of any conflicts that the counsel representing them may have.

11. Understanding Your “Status” in a Justice Center Investigation
Suspect in a criminal investigation:
The investigator will notify you of that status
You will be told/asked to confirm that you have appeared “voluntarily” for questioning.
Suspect in an administrative investigation (e.g., a non-criminal investigation):
You will receive a “suspect notification” letter stating that you are being considered a subject in an administrative investigation
Witness in either a criminal or administrative investigation:
No Letter
No notification that the interview is voluntary
If in doubt, ask the investigator

12. Proposed 72-Hour Review of Allegations

13. Purpose
More accurately classify allegations reported to the Justice Center
Establish a protocol for obtaining information quickly, in order to assist in making classification decisions
Note: Even before this protocol goes into effect, the Justice Center’s Triage Unit tries to work with providers if there are questions about the proper classification of a report based on the information reported by the caller. Re-classification decisions (abuse/neglect to a significant incident) typically must be made within hours. A significant incident can be re-classified to abuse/neglect at any time if the evidence/facts warrant a reclassification.

14. Protocols May Include
Short delay in classifying a reported allegation to obtain additional information/documentation
Designation of point of contact at provider to provide additional information in a timely manner
Process for ensuring timely notification of initial report so provider can implement protective action plan for service recipient
Guidance and criteria, jointly agreed upon by the Justice Center and the relevant State Oversight Agency, for the types of reports that may be subject to the 72-hour assessment protocol

15. Examples May Include Frequent callers Medication issues
Clinical decisions (giving medications over objection)
Refusing to give medications (drug-seeking)
Staff sleeping on duty
Psychological abuse

16. Preventing
Abuse

17. Prevention Code of Conduct Spotlight on Prevention
Abuse Prevention Resource Center

18. Self-Assessment for an Abuse-Free Environment
Voluntary self-assessment of risk
Help to identify corrective and preventive actions to address conditions which cause or contribute to the occurrence of abuse and neglect
Includes resources to mitigate risk of abuse
resources  

19. Justice Center Code of Conduct Awards 2016 - Call for Nominations!
Award will recognize four dedicated custodians in NYS who provide direct support to people with special needs, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
All custodians (including volunteers) who sign the Code of Conduct are eligible.
Anyone can nominate a custodian by the deadline of July 22, Nomination forms are available at:

20. Submit your recommendations to: prevention@justicecenter.ny.gov
Prevention (con’t)
How can we prevent abuse?
Can you recommend a useful training, website or resource?
Submit your recommendations to:

21. Contact Information
Report Abuse or Neglect:
Information and Referral:
Individual Family & Support Unit:
Other Questions: