NYS Justice Center Annual Report 2025

WORKFORCE AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH

Champion and Code of Conduct Awards Each year, the Justice Center spotlights members of the direct care workforce who display a strong commitment to the Code of Conduct and serve as an inspiration to their colleagues. The Justice Center understands the impact staffing shortages are having across the direct care workforce, which makes these awards even more meaningful. In total, the Justice Center selected six individuals for the Code of Conduct award. Each exemplifies the highest standard of direct care and shows the State how one person can make a difference in someone else’s life. What is the Code of Conduct? The Code of Conduct is a framework for certain employees to help people with special needs “live self-directed, meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm”. Certain employees must read and sign the code upon employment, and annually.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Justice Center is part of the multi-agency Trauma Champions Collaborative (TCC), led by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to advance the integration of trauma-informed practices in State agencies and in community- based organizations throughout the state. Finally, the Justice Center has an Ombudsman responsible for responding to systemic issues facing people receiving services at two OPWDD Developmental Centers in New York State: Sunmount DDSO and Valley Ridge. Through direct collaboration with people receiving services, Mental Hygiene Legal Services, the NYS Department of Health and OPWDD, the Ombudsman plays an integral role in advocating for improved conditions overall. In 2025, the Ombudsman supported people receiving services and their families more than 892 times, a 37 percent increase from 2024.

In 2025, the ombudsman supported people receiving services and their families more than 892 TIMES

Please see our full list of winners below. Click their names or faces to read about their inspiring stories.

MINA PORTER Direct Support Professional at The Arc Lexington SHAUNICE FAINES Assistant Director of Residential Services at East End Disability Associates CRYSTAL JOHN Vice President, Behavioral Health Residential Services at WellLife Network LAURA ROCCHIO Director of Direct Services at Helen Keller National Center KRISTIN COPELAND Peer Bridger at Alliance for Rights & Recovery MOHAMED EL SHOWKI Direct Support Professional at Community Resources Staten Island