Parents of autistic adults rally for cameras in group homes
A number of parents who say they have seen their children endure physical abuse in group homes have been working for nine years to have a law mandating cameras in common areas of such settings.
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Parents of autistic adults have been pushing for a law mandating cameras in common areas within group homes for nine years.
Many of those parents rallied outside of the Statehouse in Trenton Monday, saying they feel they are close to seeing such a law come to fruition.
From the steps of the Statehouse, families of the abused held photos of their children who have been beaten, some burned and others who have died due to neglect and abuse.
These families believe Assembly bill A-2705, which allows for cameras, will provide accountability and answers if something should happen to a child.
News 12 heard from several mothers whose children are non-verbal and unable to explain what happened to them when injured.
Priscilla Quesada, of Egg Harbor Township, says her son Brandon suffered multiple broke ribs and but never got an answer as to what happened. Her son is non-verbal.
"My son could not tell me what happened. He could not tell me who hurt him. He could not tell me where it happened when it happened or whether someone stood by and watch. Put the bill up for a vote, and give our most vulnerable citizens the protection and accountability they deserve," said Quesada.
Mary Lovett, of Haddonfield, New Jersey spoke of her 36-year-old son Timothy.
“No one would listen, every single incident, unsubstantiated. Unsubstantiated. Unsubstantiated. Despite the evidence, photos," said Lovett.
Parents argue that there should be no privacy concerns if all of the residents in a home agree to cameras. They add, that caregivers working at these sites should see this as a way to protect themselves against any false claims.
The bill has support from both Republican and Democrat legislators. Sponsors believe the bill may come up for a vote in the Health Infrastructure committee in the next few weeks.
