Contact Information
300 Granite Street
Suite 404
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 617-727-6465 (voice) 888-882-0350 (TTY)
Toll Free: 800-426-9009 24 hour hotline
Information Specialist: Jennifer Edwards-Hawkins
E-mail: jennifer.edwards-hawkins@state.ma.us
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Additional Locations: None.
Organization Narrative
Massachusetts General Law chapter 19C established the DPPC to protect persons with disabilities, between the ages of 18 and 59, from abuse or neglect by their caregiver(s) whether in a private, family or state care setting. The DPPC enabling statute fills the gap between the child abuse (through the age of 17) and elder abuse (age 60 and over) statutes.
The mission of the DPPC is “To protect adults with disabilities from the abusive acts or omissions of their caregivers through investigation oversight, public awareness and prevention.”
Population(s) Served
Persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 – 59.
Language(s)
Spanish
Services
- 24 hour Hotline: 1-800-426-9009. Hotline receives calls of suspected abuse and neglect, investigation, oversight, public awareness and prevention.
- conducts investigations.
- oversees investigations conducted on DPPC’s behalf by other state agencies: Department of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, and the MassAbility.
- ensures that the appropriate protective services are provided when abuse has been substantiated or risk is determined.
- provides training and education for service providers, law enforcement personnel and the public
- provides assistance to the public in clarifying the presence of abuse and neglect.
Eligibility/Criteria/Enrollment
Persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 – 59.
Fees
None
