Governor Baker has signed the bill known as Nicky’s Law. Families may now look to a future where caretakers hired by the DDS and who have abused adults with disabilities will be prevented from further employment in that system.
Here’s how. Nicky’s Law authorizes a registry to hold the names of employees who have committed acts of substantiated abuse which have resulted in serious physical injury or serious emotional injury for adults served by the Department of Developmental Services. DDS funded providers would not be able to hire someone on that registry.
Thankfully this long-awaited law finally made its way through the legislative process. Too many families have been hurt, with some people with disabilities permanently injured, or sadly even died from their injuries.
We thank all of the courageous parents, advocates and legislators that never gave up pushing for Nicky’s Law despite the myriad of obstacles placed in their way.
To read more about Nicky’s Law, please visit the Arc of Massachusetts’ Nicky’s Law page https://thearcofmass.org/abuseregistry
The registry itself will be housed at the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC)
www.mass.gov/orgs/disabled-persons-protection-commission
We hope this law now encourages families to report first sign of any suspected abuse of their family member or friend. If you do, immediately begin the phone calls and outreach to the highest levels to report and flag the individuals. Because your loved one doesn’t deserve abuse – ever.
Sharon Marie
February 2020
