Delco Concedes CYS Is Poorly Trained And Understaffed — Delaware County, Pa. Executive Director Barbara O’Malley, last night, March 6, addressed the horrific stories concerning the county’s Children and Youth Services Department.
Mothers had been separated from their children for almost a year and stigmatized as abusers on the flimsiest of claims.
In at least one case, it was reported that the child, after removal, was placed in an environment in which he was sexually abused.
Further, the rulings by CYS have kept these women from getting jobs — at least two are teachers — or otherwise working with kids.
Ms. O’Malley reported that CYS was extremely understaffed and Delco was having trouble finding workers (see other story). She also noted the department’s training was poor.
Somewhere in her statement was a vague promise to improve things.
Recognizing the problem is a positive but immediate action can and must be taken to end immediate suffering.
First step is to make right the lives of those who were victims of this incompetency.
County Council can do this.
Simply call the person in charge and say let it be so. If this person won’t make these problems go away you make her go away and hire someone who knows what he’s doing.
By the way, we’ve heard reports of retaliation by CYS against a woman who spoke out. We are watching.
Second step is to create policy in which children aren’t removed due to domestic complaints unless a, hopefully, better trained supervisor does a follow up investigation. This is especially true if a judge has awarded custody to the accused.
Third step is don’t hire consultants that hire people implicated in serious scandals involving the removal of children.
Delco Concedes CYS Is Poorly Trained And Understaffed
There is an episode of Law and Order SVU titled “Institutional Fail” that is essentially what is taking place here. Art imitating life perhaps.