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Greco's murder triggers tough questions for NYS OCFS
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by Rhonda J Mangus | June 12, 2009 at 04:57 am
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The brutual murder of youth counselor Renee C. Greco has triggered tough questions by some New York State legislators who are pressing New York State Office of Family and Children Services (NYS OCFS) for an explanation of circumstances at Avenue House, the halfway house for troubled teens located in Lockport, NY, where Ms. Greco was allegedly brutally beaten by two teens, Anthony Allen and Robert Thousand, both of Rochester, New York.
State Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, R-Clarence, and state Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, have a meeting scheduled with OCFS Deputy Commissioner Bill Getman in Albany next Monday to review OCFS/New Directions staffing and youth placement requirements. Their questions for the deputy commissioner are virtually identical:
Why was only one young adult overseeing six troubled teens during the late evening, when Greco was killed?
Did the scheduled closing of several secure youth facilities upstate, called for in the 2009-10 state budget, force placement of violence-prone youth offenders in non-secure surroundings?
“Was it suitable for these boys to be placed in an unsecured home? That’s one thing on my mind,” Corwin said. “
She and Maziarz both said the recently approved state budget called for a number of locked-down youth facilities to be closed as a money-saving measure. They want to know how many of those are in Western New York and whether the unavailability of secure beds is driving OCFS referrals to non-secure facilities.
Maziarz said he also wants a listing of other non-secure youth homes throughout Niagara County, as well as indications what the criteria are for classifying teen offenders as violent or non-violent.
“Clearly there are some tough questions for OCFS,” Maziarz said. “There ought to be some investigation of their policies and practices as well. ... (Greco) wasn’t all that much older than the (boys) she was put in charge of.”
OCFS shut down Avenue House — meaning it pulled New Directions’ home operating certificate — the day after Greco’s death. Remaining teen residents were moved to another location.
State Senator Catharine Young (R-Olean) has also called for an investigation into New York State Office of Family and Children Services, "to determine whether the two charged with murder had been placed appropriately in the group home."
Young, who suspects that Allen and Thousand were "higher-level offenders" has promised to call for Children and Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrion to be removed or forced to resign if "...an investigation reveals such improper placements,..." (buffalonews.com 06/10/09).
Related stories on NowPublic by this Author:
Senator Young calls for state investigation into NYS OCFS
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Rhonda J Mangus
North Tonawanda, New York, United States
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Amy Judd
Vancouver, Canada
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Spydermonkey
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Paschen
Narita, Chiba, Japan
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at 05:11 on June 12th, 2009
This is a terrible case and a tragedy.
I saw a similar case in 2006 in Ontario. One of the youth stabbed a Woman that was also our nabber who worked in half way house in Grand Bend. She did survive, however with some remaining health complication.
The Youth in question was basically dysfunctional and severely handicapped intellectually due to drug abuses through out his life, stating early on in his life.
at 05:37 on June 12th, 2009
Paschen, thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation. It is truly a terrible case and tragedy. One, however, that is definitely going to bring about several changes at NYS OCFS and New Directions Youth and Family Services.
I can't help but wonder when will tragedy stop being the agent for change.
at 08:30 on June 12th, 2009
Those questions need to be asked, I agree.
at 11:06 on June 12th, 2009
They definitely need to be asked, Amy. Thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation!
at 21:50 on June 15th, 2009
Those questions definitely need to be asked, but it should not be forgotten that these two youths were set to be released soon. Who assessed these kids? The same should have been asked years ago after the sick murder of Jennifer Bolander in the Falls.
at 05:54 on June 17th, 2009
TimothyS, thank you for reading and commenting. I don't know why these questions were not asked years ago. However, according to the Niagara Falls Reporter, Mother of Jennifer Bolender Blasts DelMonte's Inaction on Crime Bill [A1628 - Penny's Law], evidently for the reason that DelMonte did not want to go against Assemblyman Sheldon Silver. DelMonte did however later author a law to rename the Pedestrian Overpass where Jennifer was killed to "Jennifer's Crossing".
Then Assemblywoman Catharine Young (now Olean State Senator) and the late State Senator Patricia McGee, helped draft NYS Assembly Bill A1628, known as Penny's Law. Penny's Law will allow juveniles convicted of murder as adults to be sentenced as adults (for it's reason and history, please click on the link Penny's Law).
at 03:46 on June 24th, 2009
Edited a repeat comment, sorry:)
at 10:15 on August 13th, 2009
I happen to work at a secure facility-Brookwood/OCFS, Commissioner Carrion is intentionally and willfully making all facilities unsafe for staff and residents. There are increasing numbers of gang assaults-one against many attackers, staff being assaulted by youth, no severe consequences being taken, no line staff input as to their concerns and frustrations. This contributes to low morale, indiference and a sense of futility. She can state that she's saving money by closing facilities, and can implement ineffictive initiatives, however, the tragic and senseless murder is a direct result of Commissioner Carrion's incompetence, and her staff's insistence to remain lock step with her policies, to keep their jobs at the expense of staff. Everyone knows this except for Commissioner Carrion and her Deputies and associate Commissioners. It will only get worse, trust me!