Larkin Calls for Action on Youth Detention Facilities

Senator Bill Larkin (R,C-Cornwall-on-Hudson) today joined fellow Republican Senators in calling for the immediate resignation of Gladys Carrion, Commissioner of New York State Office of Children and Family Services, in the wake of the state taxpayer-funded orgy that took place in the Goshen Secure Center on December 12, 2009. At least one underage girl and a suspected prostitute were brought into the juvenile prison and performed a lap dance and possibly, other sexual acts during a "social" at the facility.

"It is outrageous that this type of activity was not only condoned but encouraged by the Commissioner," said Larkin. "The security and oversight at these facilities across the state has deteriorated to an unacceptable level and these so called "socials" are a perfect example of a policy gone wrong."

Senator Larkin is a member of the Special Legislative Task Force on Reform of the New York State Juvenile Justice System which is Chaired by Senator Catharine Young. The Task Force was formed to address a growing concern by community members, youth facility staff, and law enforcement officials who cited the closure of 14 youth facilities and reporting centers throughout the state, along with newly-implemented policies set forth by OCFS, as the reason for a spike in youth violence. Task Force members have pointed to a number of incidents around the state as examples of disturbing trends in relation to violent youths and residential services.

The Task Force will conduct a hearing to further investigate the incident and take testimony on other examples of violent behavior and actual assaults that have taken place in state-run youth facilities.