The mission statement of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission is to protect adults with disabilities from the abusive acts or omissions of their caregivers through investigation oversight, public awareness, and prevention.


About the DPPC

The DPPC was created through legislation (M.G.L. c.19c) in 1987 as an independent state agency responsible for the investigation and remediation of instances of abuse committed against persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth. Pursuant to its enabling statute M.G.L. c. 19c, the jurisdiction of DPPC includes adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59, who are within the Commonwealth whether in state care or in a private setting and who suffer serious physical and/or emotional injury through the act and/or omission of their caregivers. The DPPC enabling statute fills the gap between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) (through the age of 17) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) (age 60 and over) statutes.

As an independent state agency, DPPC through its three Commissioners are required to report directly to the Governor and the Legislature. The Executive Director, who reports directly to the Commissioners, is charged with the responsibility of the daily operations of DPPC and supervision of its staff.


Role of the DPPC

In cases of suspected physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or neglect of a person with a disability, the DPPC:

  • Receives and screens reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and deaths through a 24-Hour Hotline
  • Conducts investigations
  • Oversees investigations conducted on DPPC's behalf by other state agencies: Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
  • Ensures that the appropriate protective services are provided when abuse has been substantiated or risk is determined
  • Provides training and education for service providers, law enforcement personnel and the public
  • Provides assistance to the public in clarifying the presence of abuse and neglect
  • Maintains DPPC Abuser Registry