Melinda Dolezal

The meeting included updates on new Advisory Council members, agency executive positions, budget and prevention allocations, and the Justice Center and HALT annual reports. Discussions covered Justice Center work related to the HALT Act, practices during HALT reviews, accessibility issues, and the celebration of DSP Week. Communications updates included the monthly newsletter and podcasts. The launch of six new prevention toolkits, messaging pillars, Code of Conduct awards, ethics training, and a strategic plan overview were also discussed. Committee updates were provided for the Abuse Prevention Committee, Investigator and Law Enforcement Training, Legislation and Regulations Committee, and Workforce Issues Committee.

The Advisory Council meeting included updates from the Justice Center, such as the Partnering to Protect event held in Albany and staff changes within the agency. Submissions for this year's Code of Conduct Awards program were opened, with the Advisory Council responsible for the official selection. Proposed meeting dates for 2026 were discussed. Committee reports included discussions on legislation and regulations, workforce issues, abuse prevention, and investigator and law enforcement training. The meeting also touched on the agency's new systemic review to support the prevention of sexual abuse and violations of professional boundaries at OPWDD Programs. Trainings offered by the Justice Center can be found on its website.

The meeting included updates on the Justice Center Summit, Code of Conduct Awards, and the Partnering to Protect Panel. There were discussions regarding Justice Center staff changes, efforts to reduce investigative cycle time, and an overview of the Justice Center website. The council is seeking new members for its Medical Review Board. Committee reports included updates from the Legislation and Regulations Committee, Workforce Issues Committee, Abuse Prevention Committee, and Investigator and Law Enforcement Training. The meeting also covered upcoming trainings and in-service training for staff.

The Advisory Council meeting included updates on new members, a manager's forum, sponsorship of Harrison's Playmakers camp, and a U.S. Senate Committee report on youth residential treatment facilities. Discussions covered the Adult Home Advocacy Program, camera usage in provider agencies, and committee reports. The Legislation and Regulations Committee discussed proposals and a 911 bill. The Workforce Issues Committee provided an update on the E-Badge Academy. The Abuse Prevention Committee reviewed trends in substantiated abuse and neglect cases. The meeting also addressed investigator and law enforcement training, including disability awareness training.

The Advisory Council meeting included updates on the NYS budget, introduction of new Justice Center staff, and recognition of Code of Conduct award winners. Discussions covered a prevention and quality improvement site visit, collaboration with Schuyler County, and a TRAID Partnership. The Justice Center Summit for 2025 was announced, and concerns were raised about the use of cameras in program common areas. Priority messages for advisory council members speaking with the media were developed. Updates were provided on the Justice Center's internal abuse prevention committee and various committee reports, including legislation and regulations, workforce issues, abuse prevention, investigator and law enforcement training, and disability awareness training for law enforcement and first responders.