SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. — The newly established Saratoga County Child Safety Review Commission held its first meeting this past week, bringing together professionals from across the county for several hours of discussion focused on protecting the safety and well-being of Saratoga County’s children.
According to a news release from the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office, the group engaged in discussion about a number of issues affecting child safety in the county. A significant portion of the conversation centered on the growing number of children who are not regularly attending school, the DA’s office noted.
Officials in the commission noted that absenteeism and truancy appear to be increasing in school districts across Saratoga County, raising concerns about the potential vulnerability of children who are frequently absent from school.
“School is more than a place where children learn. It is also an environment where we know children have access to food, dedicated teachers, medical care and other support professionals,” Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby said in the news release from his office. “When a child is consistently absent, we lose an important opportunity to make sure that child is safe, supported and receiving the services they need.”
Eby noted that research and experience nationwide have identified a correlation between chronic absenteeism and concerns involving child abuse and neglect, underscoring the importance of understanding the reasons children are missing school and identifying appropriate interventions.
“The professionals who came together for this Commission are deeply committed to protecting children, and I want to thank each of them for their time, expertise and willingness to take on this important work,” Eby said in the news release. “Their dedication and the thoughtful discussion we had at our first meeting demonstrate how seriously our community takes the safety of its children.”
Eby said the commission’s work is just beginning. Members will continue examining issues affecting child safety in Saratoga County and work collaboratively to identify potential solutions and strengthen the systems designed to protect children, Eby said.
“We have a great deal of work ahead of us, but we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Eby said. “The commission’s work has just begun, and we are committed to working hard, listening to the professionals and finding solutions that improve child safety in Saratoga County.”
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