Albany, N.Y. - New York is getting ready to establish a justice center for people with special needs.
Governor Cuomo says it's part of a sweeping reform of the state's system of caring for the disabled.
In a statement, Cuomo said, “The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs will give New York State the strongest standards and practices in the nation for protecting those who are often the most vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment.
“This new law will help us protect the civil rights of the more than one million New Yorkers with disabilities and special needs who for too long have not had the protections and justice they deserve. This legislation recognizes the dedication and good work of the many employees who care for the disabled, and we will continue our commitment to providing proper training and support for those who work in these facilities.”
The bill also includes a hotline for workers and others to report abuse, a special prosecutor and an inspector general.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office announced Sunday evening that a three-way agreement had been reached on his legislation that would create a new reporting system for cases of abuse and neglect of the developmentally disabled.
