FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2016

Contact:   Diane Ward, Office of Communications

(518) 549-0200
diane.ward@justicecenter.ny.gov

The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs (Justice Center) is seeking nominations for its first annual Code of Conduct Recognition Award, to be presented in 2016. This award honors direct support staff who embody the responsibilities set forth in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. The Code provides a framework intended to assist employees to help people with special needs “live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.”

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, July 22, 2016. Complete information on the award can be found here. Nomination forms can be submitted online and are available here.

“We want to encourage service recipients, families, provider agency personnel and the public to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of staff whose actions demonstrate a commitment to the core values articulated in the Code of Conduct with this special distinction,” said William T. Gettman, Chair of the Justice Center Advisory Council.

Four winners will be selected from across the state. All staff who sign the Code of Conduct are eligible. Staff can nominate themselves or may be nominated by a person receiving services, family member, guardian, co-worker, supervisor or member of the public.

Members of the Justice Center’s advisory council will review nominations and select award winners who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Code of Conduct throughout the year. The 2016 Code of Conduct Recognition Award will be given at the September meeting of the Advisory Council. Recipients will receive a certificate and be honored at a luncheon.

About the Code of Conduct

Individuals who are employed by, or volunteers at, state operated, licensed or certified facilities or agencies under the Justice Center’s jurisdiction are required to sign and adhere to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. Consultants, volunteers or contractors of organizations or companies that contract with facilities and agencies, under the Justice Center’s jurisdiction, are also considered to be custodians if they have regular and substantial contact with a service recipient. The Code of Conduct can be found here.