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Golden supports Cuomo’s child abuse prevention bill

January 4, 2018 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Gov. Cuomo signs into law legislation to study child abuse prevention. AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File
Gov. Cuomo signs into law legislation to study child abuse prevention. AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill on Tuesday that will establish a temporary New York State Commission to study child abuse prevention and make recommendations for the implementation of child abuse prevention programs in New York state, Brooklyn state Sen. Marty Golden and Westchester Assemblymember Sandy Galef announced. Golden and Galef were both instrumental in pushing for this legislation.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleague, Assemblywoman Sandy

Galef, to sponsor this legislation which is now New York state law,” Golden said. “I thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo for signing this bill because New York state must take a stand against child abuse and increase prevention opportunities.”

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Child abuse prevention programs not only address child abuse prevention but other aspects of family dynamics that threaten child and family well-being. These threats include preventable health conditions such as low birth weight, infant mortality, drug-addicted babies and more.

“There is no place in our homes, schools or society for child abuse, and the unfortunate reality is that it is happening all too often in New York,” Golden added. “We must truly examine and figure out how to stop this violence that is destroying too many children and reverse this trend that is damaging many families.”

These prevention programs often provide referrals, education, expertise and stability for at-risk families. Some of the programs offered also focus on training for new parents.

“Every time we hear, read or experience a child abuse situation, we are all appalled at how this tragedy could happen,” said Galef.  “We must do even more in New York State to stop child abuse in our families and communities.  It was my honor to work with Senator Golden to have a law passed to establish a commission to study child abuse and advance child abuse prevention progress in our state.”

According to a statement released by Golden’s office, child abuse and neglect have been rising across New York state and more resources are being expended to treat the consequences including incarceration, court costs, foster care and more. A study by Prevent Child Abuse New York estimated these costs to be approximately $2.4 billion each year, while the amount spent on primary prevention is more than $30 million.

Prevention programs, while proven effective, are currently only available to a small number of families at risk of abuse and neglect. Home visitations are only available to about 10 percent to 14 percent of eligible families.

“Sen. Golden has championed this bill for a number of years and it is

time that it has finally become New York state law,” said John Quaglione, Golden’s deputy chief of staff. “It is incumbent upon our State government to take action to protect the most vulnerable members of New York.”

The temporary Commission would study the availability of successful prevention programs and recommend to the governor and the state Legislature the most appropriate ways to increase the availability of these services to more at-risk families.

“Reports indicate that there are approximately 80,000 children found to be victims of child abuse and maltreated in New York state each year,” Golden added. “This Commission must get to work so that we can prevent the abuse of children and save families in our state.”

 


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