Free Walden
Disability, Intersectionality. Autonomy, Human Rights, and
the Fight to Shut Down the Judge Rotenberg Center
Selected Disabled Persons Protection Commission Complaints Regarding Abuse and Neglect at the Judge Rotenberg Center from July 2020 to May 2022
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Fourteen complaints from this sheet are completely redacted.
DPPC Allegations Glossary
The Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) has jurisdiction over disabled adults ages 18-59 who have suffered “serious physical and/or emotional injury through the act and/or omission of their caregivers”.
The Department of Children and Family Services ((DCF) serves people ages 17 and under who have suffered serious abuse or neglect.
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides support for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) provides people ages 60 and above with resources and support.
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) provides people with mental health conditions with services and support.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) assesses the quality and safety of health care facilities and services.
The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit reviews every DPPC complaint regarding abuse to see if criminal activity is occurring. When SPDU believes that a crime may have occurred it is forwarded to the DA’s Office.
ALV or Alv-Alleged Victim
ALAB or Alab-Alleged Abuser
OI-Other Individual
Screening Decisions:
4A
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Reports that involve a hospital or nursing/long-term-care facility (which are referred to the DPH,
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Reports that involve a victim under the age of 18 (which are referred to DCF), and
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Reports that involve a victim over the age of 59 (which are referred to the EOEA).
4B
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Cases where the alleged abuser was employed by a state agency, which would require DPPC to conduct the abuse investigation.
4C
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Cases where the alleged abuser was not employed by a state agency.
Substantiated Complaints
Abuse is substantiated when there is enough evidence to conclude that an act, or neglect, by the alleged abuser resulted in serious physical or emotional injury to the alleged victim
Intake Number: 6837
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 02/22/2021
Allegation Narrative:
ALAB and ALV went behind a door, out of camera view, and kissed several times. (redacted) received the information from a staff member. It is unclear if staff member saw them. The details of the incident were passed around through staff. 5 direct care staff members knew of the incident and did not report it. (redacted) questioned ALV about the incident. ALV stated that she was scared and felt pressured to go with ALAB. ALV also stated that ALAB put his hand on her thigh.
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Intake Number: 9647
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA:
Screen Date: 05/13/2021
Allegation Narrative:
The ALV came to the day program and the staff noticed he had two black eyes.
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Intake Number: 17214
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 12/10/2021
Allegation Narrative:
(redacted) was made aware today because (redacted) wanted to make sure what had happened between ALV and ALAB. Based on the footage, ALAB was observed grabbing, choking and elbowing the ALV by his left side of his face and neck. There was a struggle between ALAB and ALV right after ALAB asked ALV for the house phone.
ALV still has swelling on his left side of his face (cheek and left ear). ALV was not transported to hospital nor were police called.
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Intake Number: 18822
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 02/03/2022
Allegation Narrative:
A-19920-The ALV was bleeding from the nose. The ALV had dried blood from his nose as well as swelling and bruising on his nose. The ALV had abrasion marks on the cheeks and mouth. The ALV had a cut on the lower lip. The ALV stated, "He hit me" referring to the ALAB. The ALV stated, "He tried to fake bite release me" referring to the ALAB. The ALAB hit the ALV when he was being held down and in a restraint. First aid was administered to the ALV and the ALV was taken to (redacted) Hospital. A-19922-ALV was placed on physical hold for attempting to kick or punch staff members. ALV was then brought to Floor Hold. While ALV was on the floor hold staff was holding his legs and arms onto the floor. ALAB was observed via camera hitting ALV in the face several times after ALV tried to bite him. ALV has a swollen nose and busted lips. The nurse also noticed blood in ALV's nose and mouth. ALV was sent to the hospital and the extent of his injuries are not known to the reporter at this time. (redacted) took picture of ALV's injuries.
Unsubstantiated Complaints
Abuse is unsubstantiated when there is not enough evidence to conclude that the alleged abuser caused serious injury to the victim
Intake Number: 1658
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 08/24/2020
Allegation Narrative:
A-1804 The ALV lives at (redacted). ALV came into the ER today for an ear problem. While there, ALV spoke to the triage nurse and stated that she does not feel safe at the group home. ALV reported that staff grabbed her by the arm and left bruises. (redacted) did see fading bruises on ALV's left upper arm, just above her biceps. ALV further stated that when the male staff escorts her, they press their bodies against her and she feels harassed. The male staff looks at ALV in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable. When (redacted) first called at 2:07 p.m., the reporter did not have the names of any ALABS; the reporter then called back at 2:30 p.m. to provide the name of one of the ALABS. A-1830 ALAB1 took all of ALV's belongings out of ALV's room without making contact with ALV's treatment team. ALAB1 also grabbed ALV's left arm and caused bruises on ALV's left arm. ALAB2 (redacted) entered ALV's room while ALV was undressing. ALV reported that ALAB2 (redacted) also tried to touch ALV in a sexual manner during this incident. ALV also alleges that her body is being searched every two hours by ALAB1 (redacted) and other female staff.
Intake Number: 2096
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 09/04/2020
Allegation Narrative:
An anonymous caller reported the an incident that took place on 06/13/2020
The allegation was regarding ALAB beating the ALV up in the restroom. ALAB caused a black eye and Alv was not taken to the hospital. ALV is nonverbal so he was unable to report the incident to anyone. There were other direct care staff members there that knew about the incident. Other staff did not inform anyone or make any reports.
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Intake Number: 6013
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 01/25/2021
Allegation Narrative:
ALV has a black right eye. (redacted) is unsure how it was sustained.
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Intake Number: 9251
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 05/03/2021
Allegation Narrative:
ALV has been bullied by OI. OI verbally abuses ALV, instigates ALV, makes fun of ALV, and talks behind ALV’s back. OI calls ALV a “bitch” and “fat.” ALV states that no one has done anything about this incident. ALV stated she asked ALAB to be moved when she was being bullied by OI and ALAB denied it. ALV attempted suicide this week due to being bullied. ALV states that all staff is ignoring the fact that she is being bullied.
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Intake Number: 11851
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 07/15/2021
Allegation Narrative:
The ALV came into the ER with complaint of abdominal pain. She had bruises on her arms and left upper back and right lower back. (redacted) asked the staff with the ALV about the bruises. The staff said they were from restraints. When the ALV was alone she told the reporter some bruises were from restraints and others were from staff and were unprovoked. The ALV stated she didn't feel safe at the facility. The ALV is afraid if staff knows she told that there would be retaliation.
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Intake Number: 12652
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 08/04/2021
Allegation Narrative:
The ALV states she has been pinched, elbowed, slapped, and spit on. The ALV states she cannot continue dealing with this form of abuse. The ALV states she does not have anyone who can advocate on her behalf. The ALV states she has nowhere else to go and/or any type of defense to help her. The ALV states she cannot keep allowing this to happen. The ALV states she has had multiple bruises and scratches to prove her allegation. The ALV states she once had suicidal ideations in the past, however she is currently in a good space mentally in the present moment.
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Complaints That Were "Screened Out"
When the alleged victim is younger than 18 or older than 50; or when the facility as a whole is at fault, cases are “Screened Out” and sent to the Department of Children and Family Services, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, or the Department of Public Health.
Intake Number: 81
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: OUT
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 07/06/2020
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Allegation Narrative:
A-84 This has been happening for 10 months. The agency denied ALV psych medication because they don't like it and they like to use electric shock for the last result. Clients get worse when they take them off of psych medication. ALV wants to relay a message to Sandra Raines that ALAB is still using the electric shock when it was supposed to be banned. A-422 ALAB continues using the electric shock system. ALV states this was supposed to be stopped before the pandemic. ALV wanted to report that it is not fair for other clients that get shocked.
Intake Number: 496
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: OUT
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 07/23/2020
Allegation Narrative:
ALV stated ALABs have been verbally abusing her, verbally attacking her and ALV feels bullied. ALV has put up with the way staff has talked to her for 4 years now.
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Intake Number: 3151
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 10/13/2020
Allegation Narrative:
ALAB is employed with the Judge Rotenberg Center and did not report his criminal record (redacted).
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Intake Number: 3981
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/09/2020
Allegation Narrative:
The incident is ongoing. Reporter and her mother have court order to have a video call every Saturday and Sunday. On 10/31, 11/1, 11/7, and 11/8, they were unable to video chat with the ALV because the ALAB2 stated that it was dead and also that the IPad was taken away because someone was using the device incorrectly. The reporter stated that ALV had gotten his own IPad in March and the ALABs have kept it away from him so that he cannot use it. Reporter stated that it is ALAB1 that is making ALAB2 not to speak to the reporter. ALAB1 put it in writing that reporter better not go to the cops or report any of this because she will not see the ALV. The ALAB1 lost his six year job a few days before the incidents started.
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​Intake Number: 4099
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/13/2020
Allegation Narrative:
ALV has had several injuries over the last few years, including black eyes, cauliflower ears, chest injuries, neck injuries, head injuries, and burn marks. ALV also has had several infections. Reporter isn't sure how this is all happening.
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Intake Number: 4511
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/30/2020
Allegation Narrative:
According to the ALV, the ALABS are not professional and don't treat the residents fairly. ALV feels like she is getting bullied by staff members all the time. ALV states that on 11/28/2020, ALAB 1 threatened to beat up the ALV after asking ALAB 1 to bring her to the bathroom.
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Intake Number: 5065
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 12/18/2020
Allegation Narrative:
The ALAB is still using the electric shock device, which was banned by the FDA. Clients still have this device. ALV is being confined in his bedroom. There are websites that ALV wanted to list that state certain things that each group home does; ALV will provide the list of the sites to the investigators. ALV believes he is at risk of injury mentally.
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Intake Number: 8719
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 04/16/2021
Allegation Narrative:
Informant reported that ALV expressed that he has endured some physical abuse from both ALABS..
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Intake Number: 9523
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 05/10/2021
Allegation Narrative:
ALV asked ALAB1 to call DPPC and ALAB1 refused to let her call. ALAB1 told ALV, “If you want, you can just take off your clothes because I am not going to let you call DPPC. ALAB1 told ALV that her treatment team said ALV could not call DPPC.
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Intake Number: 12725
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 08/06/2021
Allegation Narrative:
The ALV states she and the ALAB have been saying inappropriate things to one another. The ALV states she was going down the basement stairs and the ALAB slapped her on the buttocks. The ALV states this incident was unwanted touching.
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Intake Number: 13263
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 08/20/2021
Allegation Narrative:
The ALV claims that several staff members; during a restraint twisted his wrist and fingers. ALABs and students tease ALV. When the bedroom alarm goes off, the ALV states that this is done on purpose to wake him up. There are no injuries from any of these incidents.
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Intake Number: 14178
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 09/15/2021
Allegation Narrative:
A-15009-Reporter stated that after lunch at the playground the ALV stated she was sexually assaulted by the ALAB. The ALV stated that the ALAB put his hands in her pants and touched her. The ALV also stated that he kissed her and put his penis in her mouth.
According to the reporter, the ALV stated that she was at the playground by herself and no one was around. The ALV stated she told other staff members on the day of the incident which was September 10th of 2021, but they told her she was making it up and seeking attention. ALV stated they did not bring her to the hospital until now, September 13, 2021. The ALV stated that this has happened before with the same staff member.
A-15112-ALV reports past assaults, but the most recent involved the ALV being penetrated by the ALAB on a playground on 9/10/21.
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Intake Number: 14995
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 10/05/2021
Allegation Narrative:
ALV was in the bathroom doing chores and drank cleaning fluid in a suicide attempt, potentially due to a previous sexual assault.
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Intake Number: 17640
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 12/23/2021
Allegation Narrative:
It was discovered through spot checking that the ALABs administered 3 applications of the Graduated Electronic Decelerator in a way that was inconsistent with ALV's Court Approved Behavior Modification Treatment Plan and inconsistent with JRC policies and procedures.
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Intake Number: 18373
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 01/21/2022
Allegation Narrative:
ALV advised that he was punched in the face by ALAB and was isolated in a room for 200 days. ALV was electrically shocked and has observed others being shocked as well. ALAB has been restraining other patients and breaking those patients bones. ALV advised that he does not always get his medication . The reporter is calling from New York, however, the abuse allegedly happened in Massachusetts.
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Intake Number: 20414
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 03/22/2022
Allegation Narrative:
Reporter states that the ALV has bruising all over his body. There are bruises on the ALV’s back, left elbow, and neck. The reporter stated that the ALV reported that the long neck scratch came from the ALAB. The ALV stated that the ALAB was choking him and scratched the front part of his neck, according to the reporter.
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Intake Number: 20530
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 03/24/2022
Allegation Narrative:
Reporter was not around when the incident occurred, but the ALV and another student reported ALAB punched and scratched the ALV. Reporter stated the ALV reported he had scratches on his buttocks also. Reporter was very brief on details of the incident. Previous report(s) may have been made to DPPC.
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Intake Number: 20815
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 03/31/2022
Allegation Narrative:
The reporter is alleging physical abuse of ALV by ALAB. ALV resides at (redacted). The reporter said the ALV's chart states the ALV is the "ward of the state" and has no decision maker for her. The reporter stated the case worker and a teacher brought the ALV to the ER because ALV ate a battery today (3.23.22). The ALV arrived at the hospital around 4pm. The reporter stated the ALV is reporting that she is being physically abused at this facility and ALV does not want to go back. The reporter said the ALV said "they" put hands on her and "they" physically abuse her. The ALV is saying she does not want to return there because she is being abused at the program.
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Intake Number: 22087
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 05/06/2022
Allegation Narrative:
Today reporter received a call from social worker at MCS. Social worker at MCS reported to reporter that she had just been on the phone with ALV's parents. ALV's parents decided to bring ALV home from ALAB facility where he has been a student for a few months. The reason ALV's parents brought ALV home is that they repeatedly came to visit ALV and found him dirty, unshowered, and unkempt generally.​​