Probe Underway at Children’s Facility in Dobbs Ferry

By Rick Pezzullo—

An investigation is being conducted at a children’s facility in Dobbs Ferry following a recent media report of minors allegedly being physically abused.

According to a story that aired on CNN, migrant children in their teens living at The Children’s Village campus were allegedly punished by being isolated in a “red room” and being restrained or physically assaulted.

Children’s Village has housed unaccompanied minors under the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement for many years but stopped accepting new children earlier this year.

Because of what was described as “significant child welfare concerns,” some children were transferred to other facilities, according to the CNN report.

A spokesperson for The Children’s Village issued a statement to The Hudson Independent when asked about the allegations.

“We have zero tolerance for any form of punishment. All teens in our care deserve the highest level of care, support, and professionalism from every adult responsible for their well-being,” the spokesperson stated.

“Allegations of employee misconduct are deeply distressing, and if received, we make an immediate report to both the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and the New York State Justice Center for Protection of People With Special Needs,” the spokesperson continued. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that any staff member found to have engaged in misconduct is addressed appropriately and without hesitation.”

The Dobbs Ferry Police Department weighed in on the CNN report.

“CNN’s report about allegations of abuse of immigrant children housed at Children’s Village is deeply disturbing,” the Police Department stated. “The safety of our residents, especially young people, anywhere in the Village is our first priority. The Dobbs Ferry Police Department stands ready to assist the District Attorney and any agency investigating these allegations or any others that may arise.”

U.S. Rep. George Latimer stated reports of abuse and neglect at Children’s Village were alarming.

“I am deeply concerned over these allegations of abusive treatment toward migrant children who were placed at Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry,” Latimer stated. “All children housed in such facilities have a natural expectation that the staff will protect and care for their needs and not violate the duty of care with which they’ve been entrusted. I hope the responsible parties will endeavor to find and monitor more appropriate placement for children in this situation, and I support a full investigation into the staff and facility involved in the alleged incidents of abuse.”

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