NYS Justice Center

The Protection of People with Special Needs Act (Act) requires persons who are Mandated Reporters under that Act to report Abuse, Neglect and Significant Incidents involving vulnerable persons to the Vulnerable Persons’ Central Register (VPCR) operated by the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs - External link opens new window.

Under the Act, persons who are mandated reporters to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment are also mandated reporters to the VPCR, with the exception of day care providers and staff. Day care providers and staff are mandated reporters to the SCR, but not to the VPCR.

Effective June 30, 2013, persons who are Mandated Reporters under the Act have a legal duty to:

• Report to the Justice Center, by calling the VPCR at 1 (855) 373-2122, if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect of a Vulnerable Person, including any person receiving residential services in a facility operated by, or provider agency facility licensed or certified by, the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).
• Report all Significant Incidents regarding vulnerable persons to the Justice Center by calling the VPCR at 1 (855) 373-2122.
• Continue to call the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or maltreatment of children in family and foster homes, and day care settings. Suspicion of child abuse or maltreatment in a day care setting, foster care, or within a family home must continue to be reported to the Statewide Center Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment at 1 (800) 635-1522.

Note: If you have any questions about which number to call — there are trained specialists available to assist you. The important thing is to make the call!

Further information on the Act and the requirements can be found at https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/ - External link opens new window.