WHEREAS:

Child care workers in mental health facilities and day care facilities are entrusted with the responsibility to care for children who are receiving services in their agencies; and

WHEREAS:

In most states there are child abuse laws that bind these workers to provide the best care without violation of these children's rights; and

WHEREAS:

In many agencies, child care workers can be suspended without pay while an investigation occurs, in the event charges of child abuse are brought against a child care worker; and

WHEREAS:

Many workers in these said agencies aren't aware of their rights, the anti-child abuse state legislation, the reporting mechanism for child abuse or identifying child abuse; and

WHEREAS:

There have been many instances where child care workers have been falsely accused of child abuse and have been terminated or proper, third body, objective investigations have not occurred.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME develop a manual and related training that could be provided to all AFSCME district councils and/or locals who need this training to educate and protect their members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That this training also include instruction regarding writing contract language that would eliminate arbitrary violation of members' rights if unsubstantiated child abuse charges or other abuse and neglect charges of those receiving services are brought; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the said manual would include examples of state legislation on child abuse and other abuse and neglect reporting and regulations for all facilities and services covered by these laws, and would also include examples of staff ratios.

SUBMITTED BY:

Brenda Stokely, President and Delegate
Cesar Castillo, Delegate
AFSCME Local 215, Council 1707
New York