CPS cases, food bank cuts, educators on school boards, more
Island Harvest food bank volunteers meet in Melville with Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, in green jacket, and Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest CEO, on Feb. 4. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Why I marked CPS cases ‘unfounded’
The editorial is right about unfounded Child Protective Services cases “Suffolk CPS still falls short,” Opinion, March 20].
During the 1970s and ’80s, I was a Suffolk County CPS caseworker. Yes, for various reasons, human nature being one, I marked cases as unfounded. Why? A lot less paperwork, less of a caseload, and a manageable work schedule.
CPS was in its infancy then, and the State Central Register was new and really didn’t screen reports. Many anonymous harassing and vindictive reports were made to CPS. About 50% were deemed unfounded: “No credible evidence to substantiate allegations.”
Looking back, I’m sure I labeled more than one “indicated” case as unfounded. Note that a supervisor had to read and sign off on all my cases. I took my job seriously. I had my share of stupid cases and also the sexual abuse of babies, marks/bruises, burns (cigarette, hot water, iron).
If I got a case that had been marked “unfounded” one or more times, I would consider that low priority and probably look for a way to make it unfounded. Police, firefighters, pastors, teachers, wealthy folks? No, they’re nice people. I had a police officer tell me, “Yes, I did point a gun at my son, but it was unloaded.”
CPS caseworkers had working relationships with school psychologists and social workers. I took reports made by such “mandated sources” as truth and would usually interview them personally.
— Gary Kubala, Shirley
Cuts at food banks hit LI in many ways
In a region with a high cost of living, many of us are one catastrophic illness, one disabling accident, one job loss, or one divorce away from not having the ability to purchase nutritious food.
I am deeply concerned about the major federal cuts in funding for food banks “USDA cuts to hit LI food banks,” News, March 14]. These cuts will exacerbate the already urgent food crisis facing 280,000 Long Islanders — including 58,000 children — and jeopardize the jobs and livelihoods of local food and farm workers.
The New York Community Trust and other funders on Long Island have a long history of partnering with food banks and pantries. We’ve seen firsthand the vital difference these organizations make in our community, and we’re not surprised to see their leaders showing great determination to continue fulfilling their missions. But there is no indication that other funding sources can fill the gap.
Long Island’s food banks and farm programs are a lifeline. We urge policymakers to seek sustainable, long-term solutions to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
— David Okorn, Commack
The writer is vice president of The New York Community Trust’s Long Island office.
Educators a good fit on school boards
The suggestion that educators have a conflict of interest when serving on local school boards is completely ridiculous “Rise in teachers on local school boards,” News, March 23].
Who could possibly be better suited to understand the intricate needs of students, schools, and, yes, teachers, than educators themselves?
Once upon a time, communities had great respect for schools and teachers. Now, in our highly politicized environment, schools and teachers have been made the scapegoat of our society’s problems. Of course, teachers have realized this and have stepped up to help safeguard education in their communities.
The New York State United Teachers union always advocates for students and schools, as well as for teachers. As for fiscal responsibility, educators understand that good education is costly but see firsthand the ways in which districts could spend their money more wisely. They also know that to provide a first-rate education, districts must be able to recruit and retain quality staff. That’s not cheap, but it is money well spent.
Current and former educators who volunteer for these extremely time-consuming, stressful, and unpaid positions on local school boards should be applauded for their service, not criticized.
— Kelly Morenus, Babylon
The writer, a teacher in Herricks, is a union officer.
Sports bets another way to ruin one’s life
I don’t think anyone can say sports gambling is a “good thing.” It’s just one more potential addiction that could ruin a life [“Alerts pushing for bets,” News, March 16].
As a parent, you hope your kids won’t do drugs or drink. Then your hope is that if they do, they do it in moderation.
Legalized sports gambling just added another worry.
Nothing good can come from getting hooked on gambling. I wasn’t surprised to read that the betting industry uses lobbyists and campaign contributions to press its agenda. You often see that when the agenda really isn’t good for the public.
I hope the politicians do the right thing and stop these push bet notifications.
— Ray Seeback, Ronkonkoma
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