Friends,
Yesterday, the City's Department of Investigation (DOI)
released an alarming report about the current state of our City's Administration for Children's
Services (ACS) - a systemic issue my office has been raising for months.
The report highlights what we all already know to be true - the very agency
entrusted with protecting our most vulnerable children is routinely failing
them, subjecting them to abuse, malnourishment, and even death.
Several months ago,
my office filed a lawsuit against ACS for causing irreparable harm to children in New York City's
foster care system because we knew the extent and severity of the problem.
ACS and the City made continued excuses and refused attempts to reform
the problems that we uncovered.
It is past time that we see real change at ACS because no child should
ever be treated this way. Together, we must continue fighting for our
most vulnerable New Yorkers and build a City where all children and families are safe.
Sincerely,
Letitia James
New York City Public Advocate