The New Jersey Department of Human Services has appointed Shanay Rowe, Senior Director of Risk and Compliance at Bancroft, to the state’s newly established Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee.
The committee is a landmark initiative designed to strengthen protections for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the Garden State. By reviewing critical incidents, the group aims to identify systemic failures and implement strategies to prevent abuse, neglect, and premature mortality.
The 13-member Advisory Committee brings together a wide spectrum of expertise and personal experience, including:
- Self-Advocates: Individuals with lived experience in the IDD community.
- Medical Professionals & Clinicians: Experts in specialized care and diagnostics.
- State Agency Representatives: Officials from key government oversight bodies.
- Family Members & Advocates: Ensuring the voices of loved ones are prioritized.
The committee is tasked with conducting deep-dive reviews of cases involving exploitation or mortality. These reviews will serve as the basis for new recommendations to improve reporting processes and increase accountability throughout New Jersey’s system of care.
Based in Cherry Hill, Bancroft is one of the region’s largest nonprofit providers of services for autism and IDD. The appointment of Rowe reflects the organization’s focus on risk management and patient safety.
“To truly impact the lives of people with disabilities, we must confront and learn from challenging events and system failures,” Greg Passanante, Bancroft president and CEO said. “Shanay’s dedication to protecting those we care for is truly inspiring and reflects Bancroft’s commitment to improving the lives of every member of the disability community.”
Rowe, who oversees risk and compliance for Bancroft’s diverse programming—including residential treatment and vocational training—expressed a sense of urgency regarding the committee’s mission.
“I’m honored for the opportunity to support this work, strengthening protections where it matters most,” Rowe said. “This work isn’t easy, but it’s necessary, and it matters that the right people are at the table.”
The formation of this committee comes as New Jersey continues to refine its “system of care,” moving toward a model that emphasizes not only the quality of life for the IDD community but also rigorous, transparent safety protocols.
