Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults (BPI), formed in 1999, is a statewide Massachusetts initiative that, using a multidisciplinary approach, links law enforcement, adult protection and human services, self-advocates and others to address abuse, neglect and crimes committed against persons with a disability and older adults. BPI is currently funded through an interstate agreement, from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to the Office of Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni.
The work of BPI, including its training and legislative activities, is coordinated and overseen by a steering committee. The BPI Steering Committee is co-chaired by Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Executive Director Nancy A. Alterio and retired Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel. Other steering committee members include representatives of adult protection and human services, district attorneys, the attorney general and state police, victim services, public health, and self-advocates.
Through the efforts of the steering committee, thousands of persons with a disability, local and state police, adult protection and human service investigators, assistant district attorneys, victim witness advocates, court and medical personnel, human service providers and others have been trained to effectively recognize, report, investigate abuse and neglect, and prosecute crimes committed against persons with a disability and older adults.
OUR GOALS
A Multidisciplinary Approach
PROTECTION
To provide protection, treatment and continuity of care for persons with a disability and older adults who are a victim of crime.
INVESTIGATION
To ensure that crimes committed against persons with a disability and older adults are promptly reported & investigated.
COMMUNICATION
To increase communication and cooperation between law enforcement and agencies providing services to persons with a disability and older adults.
AWARENESS
To increase awareness of crimes committed against persons with a disability and older adults.