Report Echoes Union's Warning that Reckless OCFS Policies Endangering Workers

ALBANY, NY (05/19/2010)(readMedia)-- State Office of Child and Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrion's policies are endangering workers at the agency according to a report released by state Assemblyman Rory Lancman. CSEA President Danny Donohue said the report echoes an alarm the union has been sounding for years.

"In her zeal to push through her so-called "sanctuary model," Commissioner Carrion has shown complete disregard for the safety of her staff," Donohue said. "CSEA has consistently and loudly warned about the danger in which she has placed our members and we commend Assemblyman Lancman for amplifying our concerns."

According to the report, workplace injuries at OCFS are higher than at any other agency in the state Executive Branch, with workers compensation claims at the agency rising 42 percent between 2007 and 2009. The report also suggests a correlation between increased violence on staff and the agency's shift from a correctional model to Carrion's sanctuary model, which centers on reducing or eliminating restraints and creating a more therapeutic environment in which staff build relationships with residents.

Donohue said agency officials, including Commissioner Carrion, have repeatedly ignored CSEA's concerns that front line workers aren't being given the resources and support, including adequate staffing levels and proper training, necessary to make the sanctuary model work.

Donohue called Lancman's report a much-needed dose of reality, in light of a rash of recent news articles painting delinquent youths as innocent victims of the system, while vilifying staff that care for them. He said the articles were part of Carrion's dangerous campaign to close state youth detention facilities and quickly move youths into the community, whether community programs are ready to meet their needs or not. He said current community-based programs are entirely inadequate at the present time for handling this population and there is no evidence that OCFS has a plan for ensuring that the appropriate resources can and will be provided.

The union leader said CSEA remains willing to work cooperatively with OCFS to create a juvenile justice system that will serve everyone better - youth, staff and the community. He said that system must ensure there is adequate staff and necessary training to carry out the new therapeutic approach and include a restraint policy that protects youth and staff from abuse.

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