OSWEGO – Oswego County is launching a full investigation into the Jordan Brooks case. The legislature announced its move in hiring an investigative attorney along with an outside agency to closely examine the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services during a special meeting held yesterday, April 1.
Brooks, a 17-year-old Oswego County resident who had cerebral palsy, died on May 9, 2021 due to malnutrition, infection and severe neglect.
According to a New York State Office of Children and Family Services report, Brooks weighed 55 lbs. at the time of his death, suffered severe bed sores, exposed muscle and bone, and exposure of a metal implant from his hip.
His parents, Lisa and Anthony Waldron have been charged with 2nd Degree Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, and Endangering the Welfare of a Physically Disabled Person. They were released on bail or bond and are scheduled to appear in Palermo Town Court on April 4, 2022, at 5 p.m.
Volney resident Colleen Scott spoke during public session, targeting her remarks toward both the Brooks case and the death in the Erin Maxwell case.
“I’m glad that they’re going to do an investigation, Scott said. “I’ve been here before talking about the same subject, only it was 14 years ago.”
Criminal Defense Attorney Scott W. Iseman out of Saratoga Springs and The Bonadio Group of Syracuse will lead the independent investigations; running a thorough examination of the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services and all agencies involved in the case.
Total cost of the investigation is $115,00, with $71,300 coming from State Aid Family Assistance – Oswego County paying $75,000.
Chairman James Weather read a statement to the public, announcing the legislature’s actions leading up to yesterday’s meeting. The chairman also said he has informed the New York State Attorney General’s Office of the county’s investigation, inviting them to conduct their own inquiry if necessary.
Start of the Bonadio Group’s investigation will be put on hold until all criminal proceedings have been conducted and completed. A full report of Brooks case from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services can be found here.
Legislator James Karasek spoke at the end of the meeting, reflecting on the legislature’s actions in addressing Brooks case.
“I want to thank this body – as a person with disabilities, thank you,” Karasek said.
The chairman’s full letter to the public can be found below:
Good Afternoon,
I want to begin by bringing you up to date on the actions we’ve taken to date. Out of respect for the necessary integrity of the criminal investigation, there has been little we could say until after its conclusion, but that doesn’t mean we have been idle. This is the second special meeting in a month to learn and initiate actions regarding this tragedy. We are taking a deliberative and responsible path to acquire all the fact to guide our decisions going forward.
A course of action has been planned, which is being started today with the adoption of today’s Resolutions. I have also informed the State Attorney General’s Office of the investigations we are starting and invited the AG to conduct its own if they feel it’s warranted.
Contrary to rumors, there is a public comment period today specific to today’s Resolutions. We have public comment on Resolutions of the day at every Legislature meeting. It’s part of our Rule’s.
As I’ve previously stated, Oswego County is committed to thoroughly examine the tragic death of Jordan Brooks…without pre-judgment…and with transparency. This is being accomplished by a series of impartial investigations that will provide the Legislature a full account of what transpired in this case. The first was an investigation by the Sheriff’s Department, which led to Jordan’s mother and stepfather being arrested and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide, Second Degree Manslaughter and First Degree Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person. This investigation led to no one else being charged or held responsible.
Today the Legislature will take two more important steps to get to the truth of this tragedy. We are hiring an Investigative Attorney to examine the Jordan Brooks case in-depth. This will provide us with a complete picture of what transpired, and an analysis of the actions or inactions of CPS and all other organizations involved in this case. This investigator will have complete autonomy, and will work at his own direction, not ours. We will let this investigation lead wherever it takes us. To ensure impartiality, great pains were taken to identify a qualified Investigative Attorney, with no prior ties to Oswego County, personal or professional. To ensure this investigation does not impact the District Attorney’s efforts in the Waldron case, it will begin after the prosecution is complete.
Additionally, we are hiring a highly qualified form to analyze or Child Protective and Prevention Services Divisions. The firm is experienced in examining Social Services systems, and their operating procedures and practices. This will identify strengths and areas where improvements can be made. This analysis will begin immediately.
The Legislature recognizes its obligation to handle this situation responsibly to ensure the best possible outcome for the children in our community. Our job is not to rush judgment or make decisions based on incomplete information. We are not going to scapegoat anyone. That solves nothing. Decisions about accountability will be made only after we have all the facts.
Since the death of Jordan Brooks, our DSS convinced the state to develop training for case workers on how to effectively work with children with physical disabilities. That training was not available previously. DSS also changed its practices and now automatically assigns any case involving a child with physical disabilities to its Multidisciplinary Team, which is comprised of our most experience case workers.
Like employers everywhere during this so-called “Great Resignation,” we are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit staff, including caseworkers. We can’t force people to apply, but we can remove red tape in our hiring process. Next week. I will ask our Finance and Personnel Committee to waive our vacancy review process to allow the Commissioner to immediately recruit for all budgeted vacant positions that perform child protective work.
We hope that the investigations and analyses we are initiating will reveal even more improvements we can make to keep our children safe.
We in the Legislature understand and feel the emotions Jordan’s death has caused in our community. We all want answers and we understand the urge to quickly apply blame. But we need true and complete answers in order to take responsible actions. It is going to take some time to do that. So, we ask the public and the press not to rush to judgment. We ask for your patience while we go about this critical work.
Thank you,
James Weatherup
Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature
missing or outdated ad config
So, Oswego County DSS is getting audited. Audits should be through and honest and not coverups or preferential.
DSS needs to do better. Re: child services, Long before the death of Jordan Brooks, there were reports of child mistreatment that were determined unfounded. Reporters/Individuals that call in are not taken seriously or concerns aren’t adequately addressed. As a result too many bad situations aren’t reported. How unfortunate!
Disservice to children is not DSS’ only flaw. Deserving citizens that ask for minimal help like food stamps and heating assistance are turned down while, non deserving recipients manipulate the system and get lots of benefits.
Please, understand that I am not putting down deserving people that need help. I applied for food and energy assistance. I got delays, piles of forms and regulations thrown my way and then was told my income was slightly too high. In the future, I might choose to go hungry and freeze before subjecting myself to DSS degradation.
It is true that DSS employees of various departments really dislike their jobs because they work under stressful, unrealistic conditions.What a pity because DSS offers employee pay, benefits and retirement that are superior in this region. DSS is Oswego County’s main provider of social benefits, well financed and a major employer. Their practices are the problem. Let’s hope for fair audits and positive change.
How do you spell coverup : Oswego County Legislature, A study bought and paid for by the department it is going to study, is hands all over the study, A criminal defense lawyer hired,, why does the county need a criminal defense lawyer, oh to protect itself. No hands off here. Coverup is all over this. Jordan deserves better.