New York Law Requires Risk Reports by Group Homes

September 30, 2011

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a law requiring that group homes and other private facilities licensed by the state to house juvenile delinquents assess workplace safety, record violent incidents and take preventive steps.

It takes effect in January.

The measure follows the 2009 beating death of Renee Greco by two juveniles in Lockport, north of Buffalo. The 24-year-old was supervising troubled teens at the group home.

Sponsors say staff at the private not-for-profits taking youths designated delinquent by family courts often lack the tools and training needed to protect themselves.

Facilities licensed by the state Office of Children and Family Services, which also operates New York’s shrinking juvenile detention centers, would be subject to the Workplace Violence Prevention Law that generally applies to government workers.

The not-for-profits are state contractors.

Topics New York Homeowners

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