OHEL Quietly Protects Children of Sexual Abuse While Others Loudly Claim Long Disproved Accusations
OHEL educates and treats victims of child sexual abuse and has been in the forefront of requiring immediate reporting to law enforcement when such crimes are suspected to have occurred.
Whether a call comes in at 1pm or 1am, dedicated trauma professionals work tireless hours to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable and of the community at large. Much of this work may be unknown to the public.
And yet recently, long since unfounded accusations were again directed at OHEL regarding child sexual abuse.
The case cited from 2011 was thoroughly investigated by officials of The NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) who reviewed OHEL’s reporting laws and cases and found no wrong doing.
In the formalized findings of OCFS which are listed on OHEL’s website (http://www.ohelfamily.org/transparency), their reports of July and August 2011, determined that “the agency acted appropriately in all cases reviewed. “ Further their report confirmed that “The agency has documented history of reporting suspected incidents of child abuse.”
Additionally an independent group of highly recognized consultants, Dr Richard B Krueger and Dr Meg Kaplan, conducted an extensive review of the allegations and found them to be completely false and without basis. Their report can also be found at http://www.ohelfamily.org/transparency
To suggest any wrong doing is just plain wrong. OHEL did its job then and continues to do so.
As an example of the continual work OHEL does in this area, just this morning OHEL received three calls on child sexual abuse. They came from a principal of a boys school in New Jersey, a principal in a boys yeshiva in New York, and the school psychologist from a girls school outside the tri-state area.
In two of the three cases OHEL advised them to call the police and recommended specific therapists that can help the family. In the third case the principal is seeking further clarification of the law.
Why did they call OHEL?
OHEL delivers services in many challenging areas of life and community - where many other providers choose not to go.
These often include complex community ills that drive much emotion and opinion.
OHEL’s reputation, its most important asset – has been built through 45 years of service to the community and the hard-working and self-sacrifice of thousands of staff, volunteers, lay leaders and supporters.
Staff whose main motivation is not in satisfying the immediate comforts of themselves, but quietly and unbeknownst to most others - providing safety, comfort, and support to those most in need.