In investigations and human services, we often focus on the mechanics of a case. Yet, at the heart of every interaction is a person who has likely experienced a significant crisis.  

In this episode, we explore why a trauma-informed approach is critical for anyone who works with people in vulnerable situations. It's a shift in perspective that moves us from simply "getting the facts" to understanding the human being behind the story.

We'll start by breaking down what trauma actually is and how it "shows up" in the brain and body. We'll discuss how this understanding is being built into a new training initiative for our internal teams and beyond.  

Finally, we'll explore the concept of secondary trauma, how it can affect human services professionals, and practical steps they can take to stay psychologically safe.  

This conversation explores empathy, the science of safety, and how we can work together to create a more supportive environment for the people we serve and for ourselves. 

For those who may be unable to report pain or describe an injury, body checks provide an early warning sign to assess a person and help tell that story.   

In this episode, we explore why body checks are far more than paperwork; they are a vital tool for protection, dignity, and early intervention. We're joined by Serena Sturman-Pupons, Deputy Counsel at the Justice Center and a former nurse, to discuss how a careful eye can ensure that every person receives the medical attention and protection they deserve.  

Join us for a conversation on the importance of body checks, the best practices and sensitivities to consider, and why having a physical record is a powerful way to advocate for the people in care. 

But first, to help us kick off the New Year, we sit down with the agency’s Acting Executive Director, Maria Lisi-Murray, to reflect on the progress made in 2025 and preview her plans for 2026.

Most people know the NYS Justice Center investigates abuse and neglect. But what many don't know is that at the heart of the agency is a powerful Data and Analytics unit—a team of data scientists working to make the entire system safer. 

In this episode, we spotlight our data unit and how the Justice Center leverages incident reports to identify systemic dangers that no single provider or case file could reveal. We use a powerful real-world example: the agency's data-driven response to food-choking incidents.

Discover how recognizing a dangerous trend led to direct, actionable changes that have protected countless people supported by New York State care systems, proving that sometimes, the most effective tool in the fight for safety is preventing harm before it happens.    

Watch on the Justice Center website: https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/how-justice-center-uses-data-prevent-harm 

In situations where an individual is unable to provide informed consent and has no family or legal surrogate available, major medical decisions can stall in the court system, resulting in delayed care. This episode of the "Could This Happen in Your Program?" podcast explores the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee (SDMC), a critical, non-court alternative authorized by New York State to provide timely and personalized consent for non-emergency major medical treatment and end-of-life care.  

Join us as we discuss who qualifies for the program, the person-centered process guiding the panels' decisions, and the significant benefits it offers to some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers.  

We’ll also share how you, as a licensed professional, former patient, or advocate, can lend your voice to this powerful cause and become an SDMC Volunteer Panel Member.  

Featured Guests:

• Victoria Clingan, Director, SDMC  
• Cindy Pross, SDMC Nurse Case Processor, Registered Nurse 

In celebration of Disability Rights & Employment Awareness Month (DREAM), this episode features a discussion with two specialists in assistive technology. We explore how assistive technology (AT) can aid individuals with disabilities not only in their careers but also in their personal and leisure activities. 

We’ll define what we mean by assistive technology devices, demonstrate how these tools can enhance the success and independence of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, and showcase some examples of AT devices. Additionally, we will introduce you to the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) program, which offers free loans of AT devices to any New Yorker living with a disability. 

In this episode, we'll discuss the concept of professional boundaries, help to clearly define what they are, why they're non-negotiable, and how to train providers and staff on maintaining clear, respectful, and appropriate professional boundaries when working with individuals with disabilities. 

We'll also tackle the tricky side: the risks associated with failing to uphold professional boundaries and the common challenges that often arise.  

Finally, we’ll walk through a Justice Center case study and provide actionable guidance on how to train your staff on maintaining professional boundaries. 

Today’s episode isn’t about establishing rules; it’s about creating safe environments built on respect and individual autonomy. 

Featured Guests 

• Brandi Young, Quality Care Facility Review Specialist, NYS Justice Center 
• Sara Nelson, Quality Care Facility Review Specialist, NYS Justice Center 

Welcome to the "Could This Happen in Your Program?" podcast, where we find collaborative solutions to protecting NY’s most vulnerable populations.  The Justice Center is proud to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which is happening from September 7 – 13.

This week is a chance to shine a light on the committed direct support workforce at the heart of care for individuals with disabilities.   

On today’s episode, we are honored to be joined by Joe Macbeth, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. He joins us for a special conversation about the evolving role of direct support professionals and the shared responsibility we have to equip DSPs with the necessary tools to safeguard those in their care.   

As the summer heat intensifies across New York State, so do the heightened risks of heat-related dangers, especially for individuals receiving services.  

In this episode, we sit down with two staff members from the Justice Center – Tracey Sosa, Assistant Director of Prevention and Quality Improvement at the agency, and Tabitha Purcell, a Quality of Care Facility Review Specialist and a Registered Nurse – to tackle the significant risk of heat illness among vulnerable populations.

Our conversation emphasizes the importance of staff training on sun safety policies, maintaining proper supervision, and recognizing the early signs of heat-related illness. We'll explore how distractions can lead to missed checks and the vital need for staff to act quickly and appropriately when an individual shows signs of distress.

We'll also put our guests to the test at the end of our program, using a real-case scenario as a training exercise. 

The summer months bring increased opportunities for individuals receiving services to participate in activities and outings and to become more involved in their local communities.  

During this episode, we sit down with Erin Pinchbeck and Carisa Huble from Northern Rivers Family of Services to discuss the benefits of community outings, as well as best practices for planning and executing outings to ensure they are safe and inclusive.  

We'll explore how factors such as navigating social expectations and maintaining appropriate supervision can contribute to an increase in incidents. We also discuss a compelling case study from the Justice Center: a lake outing where a breakdown in staff supervision and communication resulted in an individual being left unsupervised. We'll dissect what went wrong and examine how learning from these incidents can create meaningful change in your program's safety protocols.  

The NYS Justice Center prevents abuse from entering the direct care system in a variety of ways. 

In today's episode, we sit down with Davin Robinson, Deputy Director of Outreach, Prevention, and Support, to discuss how providers can create a culture of safety within their organizations, including the importance of the Staff Exclusion List, background checks, and the training offered by the Justice Center. We also delve into the numerous prevention resources created by the agency, including our brand-new “Could This Happen in Your Program?” Toolkit.  

For our inaugural episode, we also sit down with Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray for a conversation about the importance of creating environments where abuse simply doesn't happen and discuss why the Justice Center prioritizes abuse prevention.