The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 17, 2014) – At the September 16, 2014 Public Safety and Law Enforcement Legislative Committee meeting at the Sullivan County Government Center, District Attorney James Farrell thanked the County Legislature for approving a new investigative position in May 2014 for  The  Family Violence Response Team (FVRT). The purpose of the multi-disciplinary team is to investigate reported incidences of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Since the Legislature approved two additional positions in the Family Violence Response Team in May 2014, the full team now comprises four Child Protective Case workers, a new Managing Attorney position, the investigator from the DA’s office and an investigator from the New York State Police. With the increase in dedicated staff, the Family Violence Response Team has been able to take on more cases. There have been fifty petitions of child abuse filed in the last five months between May and August 2014 compared to 50 per year prior to 2012 when there were fewer dedicated staff members.

On Tuesday, District Attorney James Farrell highlighted the success of the increased multi-disciplinary team over the last five months. The District Attorney’s Office and the Commissioner of Health and Family Services staff have been researching the possibility of creating a Children’s Advocacy Center, with a location at the Division of Family Services complex in Liberty NY. DA Farrell said that the Center would follow successful models adopted in Westchester and other surrounding New York Counties that have received grant funding for operations.

Health and Family Services Commissioner Randy Parker said the proposed Children’s Advocacy Center would include specialized forensic pediatric nurses and dedicated staff in a child-friendly environment. Children need to feel safe when being interviewed and  having a safe environment, will help reduce the trauma. Commissioner Parker continued “We have the new Director of Services currently attending training to create a Child Advocacy Center. We are working with a child abuse treatment specialist from Westchester and have been working on protocols with schools, social services and legal counsel to improve services and lessen the bureaucratic process. All these measures are crucial in making Sullivan County children safer.”

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Committee Chair Edwards commented: “It is critical that we have a fully active team and move toward a proposed Child Advocacy Center to protect neglected and abused children in our County – children who are our most vulnerable and need the fullest protection of the law.”

How to Report Suspected Child Abuse: 1-800-342-3720: Statewide Hotline. Call this number to report an incidence of suspected child abuse. Your call may remain anonymous if you so choose. Your call will be investigated by a New York State Department of Social Services expert.  In case of emergency please call 911 with location details.