Suffolk DSS problems, childcare workforce, Jones Beach adventure course

This is a critical juncture for Suffolk’s Department of Social Services, a time for those charged with bringing new leadership to this department to make real, thoughtful considerations [“Social services leaders out,” News, June 27]. DSS is a diverse and complex agency, with tasks ranging from providing financial aid to families with children to administering Child Protective Services.

With CPS, so much is urgent and often, workers in the field only get a short window of opportunity to “get it right.” They need experienced support from leadership and supervisory staff to do a tough job. Many people only become aware of CPS after a report of a tragedy emerges. However, DSS provides critical services that hold families and individuals together to enable themselves to lead independent, productive lives. DSS is a dynamic entity and must remain front and center on Suffolk County’s agenda not with unachievable demands but with the understanding that we’re dealing with human beings whose lives are often difficult and messy and who deserve expert social work supervision, dignity and respect. Caseworkers too require opportunities for additional training and support. Experienced leadership will improve the delivery of services, help protect children, and support the staff and those delivering those critical services.

— Patricia Bishop-Kelly, Huntington Station

The writer is a retired caseworker from Nassau County Child Protective Services.

While the state found no fault with CPS in the death of Jor’Dynn Duncan, it is clear that our system is not working because this death, along with Thomas Valva’s, should never have happened “State: no fault with Suffolk CPS,” News, June 30].

The minds of the people who have committed such heinous crimes against such defenseless victims are unfathomable.

Until we have figured out ways to prevent these tragedies, I have two hopes. The first: If there is a heaven, I hope Thomas and Jor’Dynn have found each other as friends. My second hope is that those who caused Jor’Dynn’s death are sent to prison.

— Linda Durnan, Wading River

The writer is a retired social worker.

Two young lives have been lost to abuse and neglect. How many others are still suffering?

The Suffolk commissioner and others overseeing this department are leaving. This offers absolutely no comfort to the families.

Every single person in a position of authority who came in contact with Thomas Valva and Jor’Dynn Duncan should be dismissed.

— Wendy Frischer, Long Beach

Focus on childcare workforce

The news of childcare grants being awarded to Long Island nonprofits is a positive development [“Four Long Island nonprofits get grants to expand child care,” News, June 30].

It is only a piece of what is needed to address the lack of childcare availability and affordability in New York State.

Over half of New Yorkers live in childcare deserts, where between three and nine children are waiting for care for every available slot.

Infrastructure is only part of the reason. The lack of workforce capacity is a major component and must be addressed to scale up to the governor’s promise of universal childcare.

With the median income for this workforce being $36,000 to $38,000 per year in the state, the sector lacks employees, and turnover is high, with some often having to rely on government assistance to meet their own needs.

The Empire State Campaign for Child Cares shares the governor’s commitment to universal childcare in our state. We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature to invest in workforce recruitment and retention to meet the needs of families and deliver on the promises made to them.

— Shoshana Hershkowitz, South Setauket

The writer is the campaign manager for Empire State Campaign for Child Care.

Bring pitch-and-putt golf back to beach

I sure hope that New York State had held some money in escrow to remove the Jones Beach outdoor adventure course monstrosity [“WildPlay won’t open at Jones Beach this summer,” News, June 28].

I frequent Jones Beach and was aghast when I saw this adventure course being installed. It’s huge, ugly, and out of place in a public park. When I saw the price of activities — ranging from $14.99 to $49.99 — I knew it would fail. Please return this space to the inexpensive pitch-and-putt golf course that closed after it was hit by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

— Robert Cheeseman, Wantagh