(Statement and Clarification from St. Christopher-Ottilie as it Relates to St. Christopher's, Inc., of Dobbs Ferry, NY)
Following the announcement by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) recommending that St. Christopher's, Inc., of Dobbs Ferry, one of the city's largest contract foster care agencies, be stripped of responsibility for 750 children after finding the agency falsified safety records, we want the community to know that that organization has no relation or tie in any way to St. Christopher-Ottilie, a non-profit organization that serves the New York City and Long Island area. We have been contacted by some members of our community, as well as longtime donors, who are deeply concerned with the city's report. We can certainly understand the public's confusion, since the names and the services provided by both organizations are somewhat similar. Our board of directors wants to assure everyone that we have no affiliation to St. Christopher's, Inc., in any way.
Our hearts go out to the many children and families impacted by the situation. We will work with the New York City Administration for Children's Services to see if we can support them in any way. ACS assures us that our contracts are intact and are completely unaffected by the Department of Investigations finding regarding St. Christopher's, Inc.
Robert J. McMahon, Executive Director
St.Christopher-Ottilie