Four facilities for youth operated by the Office of Children and Family Services would be eliminated under the Governor’s Proposed Budget for state fiscal year 2007-08.  These closures will impact PEF members who currently work in these facilities as well as the communities that they serve.

Three of the facilities set to close – Gloversville, Mt. Vernon, and Brooklyn – are residential homes for juvenile delinquents transitioning back into the community.  Great Valley, the fourth facility slated for closure, is a 25 bed non-secure facility in Cattaraugus County.

Complicating the matter, the Governor wants to waive a 12 month notice requirement before shut down of such facilities.  Just last year, PEF fought for and was successful in securing the 12 month notice requirement for closures to help alleviate the impact on the workforce and the community.

Fax a letter to your State Senator and Assembly member, as well as Majority Leader Bruno and Speaker Silver, requesting that they reject the Governor’s closures.- for NY state folks...

They keep snatching up resourceful needs...  What next???

The Governor’s budget calls for the closure of four Office of Children and Family Services facilities located in Gloversville, Mt. Vernon, Brooklyn, and Great Valley, Cattaraugus County.  The closures will have an impact on the youth located in the facilities, the workforce that provides services, and the communities in which they operate.

90% of youth entering OCFS facilities in 2005 had at least one special service need and most had multiple needs. Research shows that appropriate services including education and aftercare promote better outcomes for youth. But OCFS has fewer youth service teams than it had 12 years ago. Group homes should be enhanced and a continuum of services made available to really help kids who need it.

In addition, the Governor seeks to waive the existing statute which requires 12 months notice prior to closure.  The notice is essential in helping all impacted parties cope with the effects of the reductions.

Help reject the OCFS closures and any waiver or reduction of the existing notice requirement.