Protective Services Program Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

Record last updated 2022/06/21 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) is responsible for investigating complaints of abuse against a person with a disability by a caretaker.  Mandated and non-mandated reporters report suspected instances of abuse of a person with a disability by filing a verbal report with the DPPC Hotline at 1-800-426-9009 and by submitting a written report to the DPPC.

Based on the person’s reported disability, the report is then forwarded to the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Protective Service Program, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Investigation Unit or the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Investigation Unit for the purpose of conducting an investigation and providing services to the abused individual.

Under the authority and oversight of the DPPC and per M.G.L.chapter 19c, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Protective Service Program (MRC PSP) conducts civil investigations of allegations of abuse such as acts of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal abuse and omission by a caregiver of a person with a physical disability between the ages of 18 and 59.  Protective services are provided to prevent further injury when it is determined that the abused individual was seriously injured as a result of an act and/or omission by the caregiver. 

Instances of abuse investigated by the MRC PSP are considered external investigations as they are conducted in a community setting.  The MRC PSP works collaboratively with law enforcement officials and the District Attorney’s office in cases of abuse involving criminal activity.

When it is determined that the abused individual was seriously injured as a result of abuse, the case is opened and the MRC PSP Investigator is responsible to provide protective services to prevent further injury.

• Protective Services offered to the abused individual are voluntary and are targeted to maintain the safety and independence of the individual. 
• Protective Services are short-term and cases are open for a period of three months to six months and in rare instances up to two years, depending on the level of abuse. 
• MRC PSP Investigators develop individualized service plans and safety plans to target risk issues, and to identify means to prevent further abuse. 
• MRC PSP Investigators play an integral role in the elimination of abuse and reduction of further risk through crisis intervention, advocacy, securing community resources as needed and by working with appropriate entities and service providers to ensure the safety of the abused individual while maintaining his/her independence in the community.

Service Types

• Disability Awareness

Program Type

• Advocacy
• Legal

Populations Served

• All Disabilities

Ages Served

Languages Spoken

• French
• Haitian-Creole
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Parking
• Accessible Restrooms
• Elevators
• Near Public Transportation
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Fees: Free Service