Broome Developmental Center closure leads to security concerns VESTAL — At Broome Developmental Center, one of the first signs that anything was changing was when administration suddenly removed the sally ports — a double door locked entrance with metal detectors, like you’d find in a prison — from the center’s Local Intensive Treatment (LIT) facility last November. According to Broome Developmental Center Local President David Jenkins, staff working in the LIT were shocked that their formerly secured area, which housed individuals with developmental disabilities, some of whom were sex offenders, was now less secure. “The staff was incredulous, shocked. The whole purpose when they put the sally port in was to keep the area secure. People were getting dangerous contraband and it was a necessary addition. This was an area that required secure care aides to work there and now it’s no longer as secure,” Jenkins said. As part of the state’s plan to close the entire facility by March 2016, people who were formerly housed in the LIT are now being slowly released into the community, including some who are registered sex offenders and some who were not courtmandated, but voluntary admissions. “Some of the people that work in the LIT have come up to me and told me that they’ve seen individuals who used to be housed there walking freely around downtown Binghamton. They’re shocked. It’s just some scary stuff.” Jenkins said a handful of sex offenders have already been released into the community, and an undisclosed amount are scheduled for community placement by year’s end. “We know this is a trend and they are looking for the quickest way to get people out, and as Monroe Developmental shows us, the state is not telling people, not alerting town officials or the public.” Jenkins said the worry is not only for CSEA Broome Developmental Center Local President David Jenkins, who works as a direct support assistant at the center, is among many workers who fear for the security of their clients as they are released into other programs by the state. the public, but also for the individuals who need treatment and a secure environment. “These secure facilities are not only for the safety and security of the public, they’re also for the safety of the consumers,” he said. “Now they’re going out into the community and being left with staff who are in their early years of traineeship or private care homes. There’s a place for private agencies, but they’re not equipped for this. It’s just not a wise move.” “Unfortunately, it’s going to probably take a victim for the state to wake up and resume its responsibility for these people.” — Mark M. Kotzin Fight on to save Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center WEST SENECA — CSEA has joined with members of the community and PEF to fight the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to close the Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center and relocate those children to the adult Buffalo Psychiatric Center. The center cares for children ages 4 to 18 from 19 counties in the western end of New York state. WNYCPC staff provides highly specialized care in a setting that is safe and appropriate for children. WNYCPC has the lowest rehospitalization rate in the state. As part of the effort, CSEA has developed a postcard petition. Cards will be sent to the governor, senators and assembly members. The Save WNYCPC steering committee is also planning several visibility opportunities, including possible participation in the two Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day parades. Moving the children to the Buffalo Psychiatric Center will not help them get well. There is no medical reason for the move. It’s just another example of bad budget choices that undermine people, services and communities. — Lynn Miller 12 The Work Force March 2014
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