Harris, James Question ACS On Gravesend Child Abuse Case
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) and Public Advocate Letitia James yesterday reacted with sadness and some criticism following news reports that a 3-year-old Jaden Jordan was brain dead with a fractured skull and multiple injuries after the mother’s boyfriend allegedly abused him.
Media outlets reported that the child was found unconscious and covered in feces Monday afternoon at his Gravesend home. The reports further stated that the city’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) had responded to an anonymous report on Saturday that the child was being disciplined by being kept in a dog crate. But that visit went nowhere as the anonymous caller had accidentally given the wrong address.
“Like many of you, I was stunned and heartbroken to learn a young boy in our community is currently fighting for his life after suffering violent injuries. My thoughts and prayers go out to the child and to everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. A tragedy like this is one too many, and it’s completely unacceptable,” said Harris.
“The investigation has already revealed that the Administration for Children Services (ACS) responded to a call at the same residence on Saturday regarding a separate incident, but no action was taken. I call on these officials to ensure better enforcement to keep our children safe from harm and help prevent future tragedies. A child should never be forced to endure abuse and mistreatment, especially in their own home. We’ve got to do better.”
James said time and time again, ACS fails to protect vulnerable children living in abusive and neglectful homes, and now an innocent three-year old boy is hanging on for his life.
“Every day we move forward without systemic reforms, such as splitting the responsibilities of ACS into different agencies, implementing rigorous oversight over contract agencies and adequately training and supervising caseworkers, and providing deeper ongoing supports to children exiting foster care or child preventative services, we put lives like Jaden’s at risk,” said James.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jaden and those who love him, hoping for a full recovery,” she added.
Donovan Hails House Passage Of 21st Century Cures Act
Congressman Dan Donovan (Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) and the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday infused the national fight against opioid abuse with $1 billion in grants for states to distribute for treatment, education, and enforcement.
The funding is part of the sweeping 21st Century Cures Act, which reforms the drug approval process to accelerate medical breakthroughs and encourage innovation. The bill also dedicates $4.8 billion to the National Institutes of Health to research treatments and cures for deadly diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s. The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support. The spending is fully offset with savings in other parts of the budget.
“Congress can’t solve the addiction crisis from Washington, but we can equip the experts on the ground with the tools they need to succeed – and that’s what we did today. Beyond the opioid funding, this landmark legislation will bring our country’s drug approval process into the 21st century and make a down payment on finding cures for the diseases that plague humanity,” said Donovan.
Among other provisions, the bill increases funding for medical research to the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control; offers new incentives for developing treatments for diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s; streamlines research and clinical trial procedures; and improves the U.S. mental health system.
The bill will now go to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Adams Utilizes High Tech In Announcing Lawsuit Against Landlords
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams today will join impacted tenants and housing lawyers in announcing a lawsuit based on data from an expanding technology partnership to monitor heating-related harassment in Brooklyn apartment buildings.
The lawsuit announcement will come standing outside 178 Rockaway Parkway in Brownsville, a property that has had numerous heat complaints through 311.
Adams will discuss how residents across the borough are utilizing sensors from Heat Seek NYC, the winner of the NYC BigApps 2014 contest, to remotely track the temperature in their homes during the winter months. Adams first forged connections between this locally based non-profit and a number of building owners back in 2014 as part of his larger focus on combating tenant harassment, and he will discuss new funding his office is allocating to build additional monitoring hardware.
Adams will also outline legislative action he is asking the City Council to take that would explicitly codify the City’s ability to install and utilize remote temperature monitors to enforce the heat requirements established in the Housing Code. Underscoring the imperative for addressing this issue, he will present 311 data that highlights problem neighborhoods for heating complaints citywide, which correspond heavily with areas of economic hardship and gentrification.
The announcement and discussion are slated for 10:30 a.m., today, Dec. in front of 178 Rockaway Parkway in Brownsville.
Richardson Convenes 43rd Education Council Meeting
Assemblymember Diana Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) tonight will hold a 43rd Assembly District Education Council meeting, in which she will give updates on local schools in the district and upcoming initiatives.
“Over the past month, our education council has visited numerous schools in the district. We have conducted a SWOT Analysis’ for each school attended, highlighting weaknesses, strengths and opportunities, and will share these updates with you. I encourage you to take advantage of the chance to gain additional insight on what is happening in our schools and work with us to enhance them for the future of our youth,” said Richardson in her emailed newsletter.
“With your support, this coalition will continue to bring together educators, parents, students, leaders and serve as an interdisciplinary team of individuals who will discuss and disseminate the defacto’s of our educational system,” she added.
The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 1 at MS 61, 400 Empire Boulevard on the Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens border.
Cumbo Commemorates World AIDS Day
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) this evening, will join elected officials and advocates to commemorate World AIDS Day with a candlelight vigil.
While HIV/AIDS, due to medical advances, is not the same death sentence in the United States and other advanced countries as it once, it remains an extremely debilitating and deadly disease in other places around the world, most notably in Africa.
The World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil is slated for 4:30 p.m., today, Dec. 1 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
