The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) in New York City is under scrutiny for its secrecy surrounding child neglect and abuse case files, thanks to a state law allowing such records to be sealed. City investigators from the Department of Investigation (DOI) have faced barriers in reviewing critical cases that raised concerns about the handling of child safety. DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber highlighted the need for greater transparency as flawed 'unfounded' abuse determinations go unchecked. The problem is aggravated by past incidents of children dying under ACS care due to inadequate investigations and a soft approach towards troubled families through the CARES initiative.
The Department of Investigation officials have been blocked from reviewing child neglect or abuse cases handled by the ACS due to state law keeping the files sealed.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber expressed concern that flawed rulings on 'unfounded' cases leave them with no insight, undermining the independence of oversight.
At least seven children died last year under ACS supervision, with staff encouraged to minimize investigations into potentially abusive homes.
The soft approach by ACS stems from its CARES initiative, which prioritizes family support over immediate investigations into child safety concerns.
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