CSEA: Dead Youth Aide's Beating Tied To Staff Shortage
By TOMMY HALLISSEY
Civil Service Employees Association President Danny Donohue has called for "full accountability and justice" in the death of an aide at a juvenile residential facility upstate after he was brutally assaulted by a group of youths.

DANNY DONOHUE: 'Beating shouldn't have happened.'

'Brutal' Beating

Charles Loftly, 60, a CSEA member and Youth Division Aide at Tryon Residential Center in Johnstown, died Aug. 26, a month after the beating. Staff has struggled with dangerous working conditions due to changes in policy and continued understaffing, the union said. The Leader-Herald, a newspaper based in Gloversville, quoted the county coroner as saying Mr. Loftly died of a stroke unrelated to the brutal beating he suffered.

"Regardless of the circumstances of Charles Loftly's death, the brutal beating he suffered should never have happened," said Mr. Donohue. "The staffing situation in the Office of Children and Family Services has long been a cause for concern because it has left staff and youth at risk."

Mr. Loftly served as an aide for youthful offenders housed by the OCFS after referrals from the court system. Many of them have been involved in serious crimes. Recently conditions worsened at OCFS facilities when the department shifted its orientation from a corrections-type model to a more therapeutic-, sanctuary-type approach, the union said.

OCFS: 'Want to Ensure Safety'

Mr. Donohue has indicated to OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion that the union is willing to work with the department to bring about meaningful improvements to the system. However, CSEA warned against drastic changes to the agency's mission without adequate staff, resources, training and communication. "I think we are going to do everything possible to keep staffing high where we can, given budget constraints," said Susan Steele, a spokeswoman for OCFS. "First and foremost we want to ensure a safe environment for our staff and our residents."

OCFS told CSEA Aug. 27 that over the next three months it is undertaking a temporary downsizing at Tryon to address training and staffing issues. The facility will accept no new residents. "CSEA is approaching that plan with caution at this time," the union said.

The Fulton County District Attorney and the State Police are investigating the incident that preceded Mr. Loftly's death. One of the teens is being held in the Fulton County Jail. The other suspects were transferred to other facilities.

"CSEA sends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Charles Loftly, but we also want our members and the public to know that anything short of immediate and sustained effort to bring about a better and safer environment in OCFS facilities is unacceptable," Mr. Donohue said.