By DARCY WELLS
PEF has produced a Know Your Rights guidebook for members at state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) facilities who are assaulted or falsely accused of child abuse.
Know
Your Rights is being distributed at membership meetings and is available at
all OCFS facilities.“Victims of workplace violence are often traumatized,” said Sharon Merulla, PEF labor management co-chair at OCFS. “With the increased violence at some OCFS facilities, it is especially important the union educate members on what to do when they are attacked by a youth or falsely charged with child abuse.”
The booklet gives members a step-by-step approach to seek medical treatment, report the incident to law enforcement, properly document what happened, navigate workers’ compensation, (if necessary), and prevent future assaults.
The booklet also provides guidance for investigations of child abuse and maltreatment reports, which have been on the rise
“It’s unfortunate our members even need the booklet,” Merulla said.
“The fact is, OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion is pushing through her agenda of reform without the input of the professionals who work in the facilities. It’s giving kids the upper hand to manipulate the system and file false claims,” Merulla said. Her PEF labor-management co-chair Steve Redler, agreed.
“We are meeting with state lawmakers, judges and local district attorneys to educate them on what’s happening at our facilities and we’re developing a network of council leaders and stewards to improve communication,” Redler said.
“The guidebook will help in that process,” he added.
PEF President Ken Brynien met with Carrion in August to again discuss increased violence and child abuse allegations.
“Our concerns seem to be falling on deaf ears,” Brynien said.
“This commissioner is more focused on moving kids to community programs that already have failed too many kids. The immediate focus should be on creating a safe environment for the employees and youths.”
