"Protecting people with developmental disabilities through streamlined, accessible abuse reporting" |
AB 1192 moves forward as AB 1983! |
Who We Are:The REACH Project is a coalition of care providers, advocates, families and friends advocating for legislative change in the state of California to protect individuals with developmental disabilities from experiencing abuse by unlicensed, direct care workers.We are pleased to share that, on February 23, 2007, our advocacy efforts were translated into California State Assembly Bill 1192, authored by Assembly member Noreen Evans (D-7th Assembly District) and sponsored by REACH. Unfortunately, AB 1192 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger in spite of passing the State House and Senate unanimously. Once again, Project REACH has teamed up with Assembly member Noreen Evans to introduce California State Assembly Bill 1983, a slightly modified version of the original AB 1192. We continue to advocate for an online registry to track abusive caregivers for people with developmental disabilities. Problem:In California, over 220,000 individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD) receive care in residential and day programs, independent and supported living, and at-home, private care[1]. Sadly, these individuals are 2 to 5 times more likely to experience severe, long-lasting, and repeated abuse than the non-disabled-in the very settings responsible for their well-being[2].Even more disturbing is the fact that 44% of abusers make contact with their victims as unlicensed, direct care workers[4]. If caught, investigated, and/or fired, many abusers move on to another agency-because they can. Current California privacy laws prevent prospective employers from accessing information about abusers. Without such knowledge, employers continue to hire abusive caregivers and the cycle continues. A Solution: Registry to End Abusive Caregiver HiringBreaking cycles of abuse is a complex issue. However, with Assembly Bill 1192, the REACH Project proposes the creation of a registry to track abusive caregivers and prevent their re-employment. Currently, registries are available to protect children and the elderly in California but are absent for individuals with developmental disabilities. Why leave this vulnerable population any more vulnerable? |
Alarming StatisticsIndividuals with developmental disabilities are...• 11 times higher risk of being sexually assaulted.[3] • 13 times higher risk of being robbed. • Higher risk for being re-victimized. Two studies found that 50% of sexually assaulted, DD women have been victimized 10+ times. |
