The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) oversees the provision of adult protective services in each local social services district. As required by State law, each local district is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of abuse or neglect of adults who, due to physical or mental impairment, cannot protect themselves. The district is responsible for arranging for any services required to safeguard and improve the circumstances of such adults, including assistance in moving to a safe setting. Districts have the authority to seek a court order, or the assistance of law enforcement, in order to gain access to an adult believed to be in need of protection.

The purpose of this public hearing is to examine the procedures of adult protective services in Erie County, and whether local practices reflect a need for broader statewide reform. The Committees are interested in hearing from persons on how such services can be improved to better protect vulnerable adults in Erie County, and around the State.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committees will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible. In the absence of a request, witnesses will be scheduled in the order in which reply forms are postmarked.

Ten (10) copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate and Assembly have made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate and Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the effectiveness of adult protective services in responding to the needs of vulnerable adults are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to: