Audit Report on The Child Center of New York’s Screening of Personnel through the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

This audit determined whether personnel working at The Child Center of New York (TCCNY) at 34-10 108th Street in Queens have been properly screened through the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR).  New York City Health Code §47.19 requires that all child care center employees and volunteers undergo an SCR clearance review prior to being hired and every two years thereafter.

Child care centers are essential for many working families.  They contribute to the overall development of children by providing education, recreation, and a safe and structured environment for children while their parents work.  TCCNY operates a child care center for three and four year-old children at 34-10 108th Street in Queens (and at two other locations) under a contract with the New York City (City) Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).

Audit Findings and Conclusions

We reviewed the SCR-clearance status of 37 individuals who were working as employees at TCCNY at 34-10 108th Street in Queens as of January 31, 2017, and found that for 22 employees, TCCNY had not obtained the most recently required SCR clearances on time; the clearances were late by periods that ranged from five days to over 11 months (344 days).

Audit Recommendations

To address this issue, the audit recommends, among other things, that TCCNY ensure that its personnel receive SCR renewal clearances within two years of their prior clearances.

Agency Response

In its written response, TCCNY agreed with two of the audit’s three recommendations and disagreed with one.  The full text of TCCNY’s response is included as an addendum to this report.