Have you ever heard of an "emergency" that lasted 14 years? In New Jersey, they happen all the time.
In his 14 years at New Lisbon, Frankie has experienced numerous physical assaults, sexual assaults, and, for quite some time, the near daily use of 4-point mechanical and chemical restraints. He was denied his right to vote. When his sister asked him to walk her down the aisle at her wedding, he was not permitted to attend. This year, his request to spend Thanksgiving with his family was denied. He is barely eating anymore and has lost all hope of ever getting out of this living nightmare.
In 1998, Frankie reported that staff were placing residents of his cottage in mechanical restraints and leaving them unattended with another resident, who would then beat them up. Fearing for his own safety, Frankie asked the CEO to install hidden cameras. Three years later, in 2001, a resident was found dead in this same cottage. He had been strangled. Earlier that year, another New Lisbon resident was found, beaten and bloody, under his bed. He never regained consciousness. Frankie said to his mother, "Mom, if I die, please don't let them bury me at New Lisbon."
In the mildest of terms, New Lisbon is not a nice place to live. In 2001, the federal government agreed, and New Lisbon was decertified following an inspection by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. The facility was re-certified in 2002, however, that same year, the U.S. Department of Justice investigated allegations of violence and substandard conditions at New Lisbon and, as a result of its findings, sued the State of NJ for violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.
This is the place DDD sent Frankie to wait.
Now, a wonderful organization has offered to provide Frankie with a home of his own and the community-based services DDD promised him over a decade ago. After 14 years of waiting, Frankie could be home for the holidays...
If only DDD would let him go.
Instead, the Division of Developmental Disabilities continues to demand revision after revision of the service plan submitted for Frankie. Meanwhile, back at New Lisbon, his condition continues to deteriorate.
We are asking Governor Corzine to put an end to DDD's 14-year emergency and Free Frankie NOW!
Please click on the link below and sign the petition to help Frankie's family get him out of New Lisbon and go home where he belongs.
While the State of NJ may have dropped the ball on Frankie, his family, friends and advocates have not. Please take a moment to add your name to our growing ranks. Tell NJ Governor Jon Corzine to Free Frankie from New Lisbon Institution.
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