(UTICA) - Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (D/WF-Rome) and Senator Joseph Griffo (R/C-Rome) today announced that Governor David Paterson has approved their legislation (Assembly Bill 7858-E/Senate Bill 5482-E) to improve the protections and the services provided to victims of child abuse. Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara and Kevin Revere of the Children's Alliance joined them for today's announcement.

"Often, when a child is tragically abused, the focus turns toward punishing the perpetrators, while the victim is left to face the crime committed against them in a way that can potentially cause more pain and suffering," Destito said. "This legislation was designed to ensure the victim is given the care that is necessary to begin the road to recovery. We compliment Governor Paterson for sharing our vision to protect vulnerable children."

"In order to provide the best intervention and services to child victims, it is important that all of the agencies that are involved with a child victim know what actions are being taken to keep her or him from suffering additional trauma by duplicative interviews, insufficient follow-up on necessary services or lack of communication to the family on progress with the case," Griffo said. "New York State Law needed further strengthening to ensure that vulnerable children receive the fullest possible level of collaboration that a multidisciplinary team approach provides."

"This new law is too relevant, especially in the cases that I've worked and the victims that I've seen," said Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara, who advised both legislators on the original bill. "I would like to thank Assemblywoman Destito and Senator Griffo for soliciting my input and for demonstrating their commitment to protecting children in the State. I also acknowledge the fine work done by the Child Advocacy Center, and similar organizations throughout New York State," he added.

Currently, several agencies are required to successfully provide a child abuse victim with necessary treatment, hold offenders accountable and support the child during recovery. To make sure victims and child witnesses receive the best possible care, this legislation requires that all agencies involved with the child victim know precisely what actions are being taken in the recovery process. By better informing all participating agencies, victims will be spared from suffering additional trauma from duplicative interviews, insufficient follow-up on necessary services or a lack of communication to the family on progress with the case.

The new law had the vigorous support of the New York State Children's Alliance. "This new law will strengthen the response to child abuse across New York State," said Kevin Revere, Law Enforcement Coordinator of the Children's Alliance. "For far too long professionals have conducted disjointed investigations and have failed to share information and work as a team. We're glad that the Governor agreed that this bill will improve the quality of investigations and better deliver services to abused children. We appreciate the help of Assemblywoman Destito and Senator Griffo in this important matter."

"There is no miracle cure for those children who have become unfortunate victims of a horrible crime. However, if there is anything that can be done to ease the healing process, it must be done," said Destito. "Implementing these reforms is crucial to helping a child who has been abused to heal and eventually become an emotionally healthy member of society."

"The bottom line of this process is that we need to have a team of trained, expert professionals to deal with these children, and to help them," Griffo finished. "This measure ensures that child abuse victims have the level of teamwork available to them that they need."