Establish a National Database to Track Direct Support Professional (DSP) Abuse
The Issue
My name is Marissa. I am a hiring manager for an organization that supports individuals with disabilities, a role I take very seriously and carry out with utmost dedication. Being deeply involved in this field, by starting as a DSP and now working in HR and Training, I have seen the best and the worst - my passion for this cause was largely driven by the tragic disappearance of Linda, a case rooted in abuse and neglect, though I have felt for some time that this needs to be done.
The very thought of loved ones going missing due to oversight and abuse in the system is emotionally crushing. However, this awful experience fueled a firm determination in me; we must create more robust methods of filtering professional hires, to ensure that individuals living with disabilities receive the dignified care they deserve.
In response to this dire need, I am calling for the establishment of a National DSP Abuse Registry—a database that would allow hiring professionals to verify if applicants have previously been found guilty and consequently terminated from other agencies for abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. I am working on this proposal, and anyone willing to help me is encouraged to reach out. I have organized what needs to be done, and any help in bringing it to life is appreciated.
Distinct from general criminal check databases, this proposed National DSP Abuse Registry offers a specific check for violations within the disability support field, offering higher standards of scrutiny. In the United States, over 61 million adults live with a disability. Unfortunately, abuse rates within this demographic are disproportionately higher with disabled adults being 1.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than those without a disability according to the World Health Organization.
Every applicant to our field should be competent, compassionate, and above all, safe. Let's protect our most vulnerable by ensuring our hiring process is as thorough as possible.
Please, sign this petition today and let us create a safer environment for individuals living with disabilities.
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The Issue
My name is Marissa. I am a hiring manager for an organization that supports individuals with disabilities, a role I take very seriously and carry out with utmost dedication. Being deeply involved in this field, by starting as a DSP and now working in HR and Training, I have seen the best and the worst - my passion for this cause was largely driven by the tragic disappearance of Linda, a case rooted in abuse and neglect, though I have felt for some time that this needs to be done.
The very thought of loved ones going missing due to oversight and abuse in the system is emotionally crushing. However, this awful experience fueled a firm determination in me; we must create more robust methods of filtering professional hires, to ensure that individuals living with disabilities receive the dignified care they deserve.
In response to this dire need, I am calling for the establishment of a National DSP Abuse Registry—a database that would allow hiring professionals to verify if applicants have previously been found guilty and consequently terminated from other agencies for abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. I am working on this proposal, and anyone willing to help me is encouraged to reach out. I have organized what needs to be done, and any help in bringing it to life is appreciated.
Distinct from general criminal check databases, this proposed National DSP Abuse Registry offers a specific check for violations within the disability support field, offering higher standards of scrutiny. In the United States, over 61 million adults live with a disability. Unfortunately, abuse rates within this demographic are disproportionately higher with disabled adults being 1.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than those without a disability according to the World Health Organization.
Every applicant to our field should be competent, compassionate, and above all, safe. Let's protect our most vulnerable by ensuring our hiring process is as thorough as possible.
Please, sign this petition today and let us create a safer environment for individuals living with disabilities.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on March 23, 2025