CARE Center staff will coordinate with MDT members to set up a forensic interview and medical exam, if necessary

At the time of the interview there will be a victim advocate present to provide information regarding the legal process and answer any questions that the child and non-offending family members have. The advocate will also provide information regarding referrals for mental health/counseling services.

The Food & Drug Administration investigates consumer complaints related to pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, food, and radiological product manufacture and distribution.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) helps people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. They set standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance. They handle disagreements between businesses and their customers.

“The Rome Rescue Mission is now offering a Representative Payee service for the city of Rome and greater Oneida County. The Representative Payee program provides benefit payment management for those receiving Social Security or SSI. Matt Miller, Rome Rescue Mission Executive Director, stated ‘The Representative Payee Program is an essential program to the community and once more aligns with our mission in providing A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out’. Taking part in this program allows us to work with our clients and help them manage their finances while promoting independence.”

LOCATION: 309 E. Dominick St.

To receive and investigate referrals of abuse/neglect of adults living in the community which meet certain set criteria. Also, to provide specific services to adults living in the community when determined that it's necessary in order for them to remain in their home safely.

PROTECTS ADULTS FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT. PROVIDES COUNSELING TO VICTIMIZED ADULTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, ADVOCACY AND CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES, CRISIS INTERVENTIONS AND LONG TERM LEGAL INTERVENTIONS.

Insuring the provision of assistance and services necessary to sustain dependent and disabled persons, protect children and adults from abuse and neglect, and to assist applicants and recipients in achieving the greatest degree of independence possible.

Individual counseling and group support is available to victims of domestic violence and their children. Unity House also provides support groups for stalking.

For more information, call Domestic Violence Emergency Services at 518.272.5917.

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1-800-342-3720

The mission of Child Protective Services (CPS) is to investigate reports of suspected maltreatment, neglect or abuse of children in Rensselaer County, to identify safety and risk elements and to provide interventions to safeguard children in our charge.

Anyone can call the State Central Register at 1-800-342-3720 to make a report concerning abuse or neglect of children. According to Social Services Law 413: Legal obligation to report: a neglected/abused child coming before a person working in their official capacity is a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters include Medical/Dental Personnel, Mental Health Provider, Christian Service Practitioner, School Official, Social Service Worker, Daycare/Residential Worker, Substance Abuse Worker, Peace and Police Officer and District Attorney Personnel.

Some safety factors to consider when making a report are as follows:

•Caretaker's drug or alcohol use impairs ability to supervise

•Caretaker's mental illness or developmental disability impairs ability to protect or care for child

•Caretakers behavior is violent or out of control

•Caretaker has not met the child's needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care

•Caretaker appears unwilling or incapable of providing significant supervision

•Caretaker likely caused physical harm to the children or has made a plausible threat of such

•Caretaker describes or acts towards child in predominately negative terms or has extremely unrealistic expectations

•Child sexual abuse is suspected

•Child living conditions appear extremely unsanitary or hazardous

•Child is afraid of people living in or frequenting the home

Following the receipt of a report regarding a child in Rensselaer County, the SCR transmits said report to the local Department of Social Services. The Child Protective Services division commences an investigation to assess the immediate and ongoing safety of children and to provide support and services when necessary.

The Adult Services Unit provides a variety of specialized services to adults ages 18 and up whose condition or circumstances make them vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation by others.

Referrals are accepted for individuals over 18 year of age, are physically or mentally impaired, who are not capable of protecting themselves from hazardous situations or abuse, who have unmet essential needs and who have no one willing to assist them. Adult Services caseworkers will complete an assessment and create a case plan for each individual.

Successful service delivery relies upon community resources and requires collaboration among health and mental health services, programs for the aged, law enforcement, financial institutions, legal agencies and the courts.

Adults have the right to make their own decisions. They may choose to accept or refuse the services that are offered.

Adult Services staff also provide Information and Referral service to all Livingston County residents, helping individuals find resources to meet their needs either within the Department of Social Services or elsewhere in the community.