The Legal Center investigates allegations of abuse and neglect brought to its attention. Investigations are carried out under federal law.
Abuse and neglect investigations involving persons with mental illness are limited by statute to persons in 24-hour treatment facilities. Abuse and neglect violations involving persons with developmental disabilities may be carried out both in the community and in facilities.
Under the federal laws governing Protection and Advocacy systems, such as the Legal Center, abuse means a knowing, reckless, or intentional act causing injury to an individual with mental illness or with a developmental disability. Abuse includes criminal activity.
Negligence, on the other hand, is an unintentional and unthinking activity that injures or kills another.
