Carey
will spend the next several weeks touring the state and speaking with
officials to promote new legislation. He will also visit centers across
the state where incidents of abuse to disabled individuals have
occurred.
Carey
began his tour at the Justice Center at 161 Delaware Ave. in Delmar on
Tuesday, Oct. 13. He will make stops in Rome, Utica, Syracuse, through
Western New York, and then travel to Long Island and New York City.
Rather
than having reports of abuse reported directly to the New York State
Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, Carey
would have all calls reporting abuse be made to 911.
Carey
hopes the added initial response recording obtained from the call would
add another layer of evidence. This would also ensure all reports are
investigated by first responders, as Carey fears some cases of abuse
have been under-reported and under-investigated.
Calls
to the Justice Center are already directed via a voice recording to
call 911 in the event of an emergency. The center is considered a law
enforcement agency by New York State, because it employs investigators
to examine suspect cases. The agency is responsible for several state
services for the disabled. It handles cases of guardianship and abuse of
disabled individuals, and manages care centers throughout the state.
“Every
allegation of abuse or neglect that is reported to the Justice Center
is fully investigated,” said Diane Ward, director of communications at
the Justice Center. The center has “strict procedures in place to ensure
the safety of the population it serves,” and “those stating otherwise
are misinformed,” said Ward.
Designated
mandatory reporters, like teachers and doctors are required by law to
report instances abuse to authorities. As such, the New York State
Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs receives
about 7,000 reports of abuse monthly, according to their public records. (Continue Reading)
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You're a good man, Michael Carey!
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