Many developmentally disabled kids can't talk and tell you
what is happening to them. Abuse can be
very hard to detect. Responsible parties
such as staff and assistants downplay bruises as self-inflicted and
investigations often go nowhere with results as “unsubstantiated”.
It is very easy to cover up these cases because the victim
can not speak nor communicate what happened to them. If they can communicate, often they are not
believed due to some extent of mental impairment or distortion of reality.
Cameras should be placed in schools and work programs to
monitor any aggression toward disabled victims.
Group Homes do not allow cameras as an invasion of privacy,
but if there is cause for concern or suspicion, it should be allowed.
Training should be enforced to encourage any staff working
with the disabled population to relieve themselves from the situation if they
feel they are too stressed to handle what is happening at the moment.
The excuse for this not happening is that there is often a
shortage of staff for this population of disabled clients. The workers are often told to make the best
of the situation and often it will take time to get relief.
The schools and facilities should have an alternate plan in
place if the worker, Teacher, or Assistant can not handle the stressful
situation.
From DHS NJ:
New!
The Stephen Komninos’ Law
The Stephen Komninos’ Law was enacted in 2017 and
strengthens protections for participants of any New Jersey Department of Human
Services (DHS) funded, licensed or regulated program for adults with
developmental disabilities, including State developmental centers and community
programs. The law recognizes the important role of guardians and family members
in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and establishes greater
communication links between providers and guardians. Effective May 1, 2018,
every person who is employed by or volunteering in any DHS-funded, licensed or
regulated program serving adults with developmental disabilities is subject to
the requirements of this law.
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