The recent disturbing news about seven children dying under the oversight of the city’s Children’s Services has shocked many, prompting a strong reaction from various leaders and lawmakers.
In response to the troubling findings, officials are calling for increased oversight, reform, and additional resources.
Among the voices of dissent is former Governor David Patterson, who once enacted the “Nixmarie Law” in 2009. This law was named after a seven-year-old girl whose tragic death led to heightened scrutiny of the agency’s failures.
“I believed back then that Nixmarie’s law would really help protect children,” he said, adding, “We clearly need to do more now than we did back then.”
Post-investigation reveals that at least seven children have perished while under the care of the ACS since 2024. The shocking case of four-year-old Jahmeik Modlin is particularly heartbreaking; he weighed only 19 pounds at the time of his death. Many more have endured severe abuse.
With an ACS budget of approximately $2.7 billion this year, agencies are struggling with staff retention. About 30% of workers have only been on the job for a year, and the situation is unsustainable.
“Reading this report is both heartbreaking and an urgent call to action,” remarked Jessica Ramos, a state senator and mayoral hopeful. “We need collaboration across schools, shelters, hospitals, and law enforcement to ensure no child falls through the cracks. Independent oversight is crucial to seal these gaps permanently.”
The Nixmarie law changed sentencing guidelines for those convicted of severe child abuse, but Patterson believes the law should be reassessed. He suggests that ACS should have more authority to remove children from potentially harmful situations.
Currently, a proposed bill would require caseworkers to document visits with photos, making it easier to identify malnourished or abused children.
“You can’t hide the signs of a severely malnourished child. It’s impossible,” said Rep. Brian Maher, who serves on the Children and Family Committee. “We must address these deaths immediately, and there are actionable steps we can take, like the recent bill sponsored by Republican Michael Tannousis, which is part of a broader strategy to solve these systemic issues.”
Maher is set to introduce a bill aimed at improving benefits under the ACS’s Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program, which would allow long-standing caseworkers to receive partial student loan forgiveness. He also advocates for better pay in entry-level positions.
“To truly tackle this problem, we need more personnel and to make these roles appealing,” he added.
One anonymous city council member criticized colleagues for failing to pursue necessary reforms within ACS. “It’s shameful that Speaker Adrian Adams and the city council are not pushing for effective oversight when children are literally dying in our care,” the member stated.
A city council representative referred to these tragic losses as a “failure” that must drive change.
The spokesperson mentioned that oversight hearings had been conducted previously, aiming to improve understanding of ACS’s preventive measures.
“The council is committed to ensuring accountability within ACS and to exploring solutions that enhance safety for children,” the spokesperson concluded.
Suzanne Miles Gustave, deputy mayor for Health and Human Services, reported improvements under Eric Adams’ administration, noting that the child protection team is equipped with training and resources necessary for safeguarding children.
“We are constantly evaluating ACS tools to ensure they operate at the highest standards of care and effectiveness,” she stated. “A new multidisciplinary review panel has been formed to identify systematic solutions and enhance ACS’s child protection abilities.”
ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser described the loss of any child as “an unimaginable tragedy,” highlighting that deaths of children known to ACS have decreased by 18% over the past decade.
A representative for Governor Kathy Hochul revealed a proposed $9.2 million funding increase for the state’s Children’s Advocacy Center.
“Governor Hochul is dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all New Yorkers, especially children,” the spokesperson remarked. “The administration is focused on improving preventive measures to avert such tragic situations, with budget allocations directed toward Family Opportunity and Resource Centers.”
Suzanne Miles Gustave reiterated the commitment to evaluate and bolster ACS capabilities in protecting children.
Additional Reports by Hannah Fieric
