I am honored to have been asked to assist Governor Cuomo in strengthening the state’s systems of protection and safety for vulnerable New Yorkers in residential care settings. The Governor’s attention and commitment to this responsibility of the State offers an opportunity for all New Yorkers to collaborate in shaping an enduring and effective system of safeguards. The Governor defined this role broadly to evaluate and provide recommendations concerning State programs related to developmental disabilities, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, children and the elderly. A component of my duties will include evaluating the protection, safety, and quality of care of vulnerable persons, the conditions of related State operated and licensed facilities, and the fiscal performance of related programs. I will also coordinate with the Governor's Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE) to evaluate and provide recommendations concerning the management, design and structure of state agencies operating or overseeing programs or facilities for vulnerable persons.
Thank you.
Clarence J. Sundram
Special Advisor to the Governor on Vulnerable Persons
The first phase of this work will be to address the current practices for reporting of incidents, the investigation of reports of abuse, neglect, and deaths by provider agencies and OPWDD, and oversight by CQCAPD. This review will examine the effectiveness of current practices for prevention, correction and discipline, and the efforts that are made to extrapolate and implement lessons from individual cases to systemic remedies and reforms.
This initial phase may lead to a broader review of protection and safety of persons served by residential programs operated, licensed, or funded by other state agencies as well and will examine such issues as:
Should there be an expectation that all New Yorkers with disabilities who require some form of out-of-home care in a residential facility are entitled to a common minimum level of safety and protection from abuse, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation, regardless of where they live?
If so, should there be common minimum standards for reporting, investigation and correction of identified problems? What changes, if any, should be made to existing laws, regulations, policies and procedures?
Are crimes against persons with disabilities adequately reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies? What are the barriers to such reporting? What are the barriers to adequate and effective response by law enforcement agencies to such reports?
Are there adequate requirements for training and supervision of the frontline employees who have the greatest degree of daily contact with residents?
What are the barriers to effective discipline of employees who engage in abuse or neglect of vulnerable people in residential facilities?
This list is meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. I invite your suggestions and recommendations. Please click on this link to send them.
Thank you.
Clarence J. Sundram
Special Advisor to the Governor on Vulnerable Persons
