Making a Difference for People with Special Needs

Who We Are

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) was established in 2013 by the Protection of People with Special Needs Act. The agency was created to restore public trust in the institutions and individuals charged with caring for vulnerable populations by protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs.

The Justice Center has jurisdiction over more than 1,000,000 individuals receiving services across six State Agencies. The agency operates a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for receiving reports of allegations of abuse and neglect. The Justice Center is authorized to investigate these reports and pursue administrative sanctions against staff found responsible for misconduct. The agency's Special Prosecutor/Inspector General works with local district attorneys who prosecute criminal offense allegations. The Justice Center also issues recommendations for corrective actions.

In addition, the agency provides support services for individuals and guardians as well as issues abuse prevention materials statewide. The Justice Center Advisory Council aids the agency in developing policies, programs and regulations.

By creating the Justice Center, New York State overhauled a system that allowed abusers to commit bad acts, to move from facility to facility, and to abuse and neglect vulnerable people time and time again. Since 2013, more than 900 people have been barred from the service system and more than 2.5 million Staff Exclusion List checks have been completed. 

Without the changes ushered in with the creation of the Justice Center, countless individuals would be able to work in the service system and continue acts of abuse. We create a safer environment for vulnerable New Yorkers. 

Protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs