AAIDD/ARC Position Statements

PROTECTION

 

POLICY STATEMENT

People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities must be protected from harm and injury and must have the tools and supports so that they can protect themselves.

ISSUE

Abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of our constituents by the general public, service providers, and even their own families are all too common. Families often lack the supports necessary to avoid undue stress as well as access to resources to help them protect their children from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment by others. Individuals living outside the family home, regardless of the size or location of the residence, are particularly vulnerable. In addition, existing laws, regulations, and policies may fail to prevent abuse and neglect.

POSITION

Protection from harm of people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities is vital.

Children

In most situations the birth, adoptive, or foster family is the best source of protection from harm for a child. To fulfill that role, a family should have access to:

If the family is unable to provide necessary protection for any reason, federal, state and local child protection laws and regulations should be applied to protect the child. Any protective action should infringe as little as possible on the individual's and family's right to privacy and self-determination.

Adults

When an adult needs protective assistance, the best protection usually comes from the person's family, community, and friends. Protection services should be provided through adult protective agencies or advocacy groups. Individuals should be trained to better protect themselves. As with children, whenever applicable and available, the full force of the law should be applied to protect the individual.

 

 

 

Adopted: The Arc, Congress of Delegates, November 9, 2002
AAIDD Board of Directors, May 28, 2002